Is It Safe to Exercise With Braxton-Hicks?

Braxton-Hicks Contractions
Exercise During Pregnancy
Braxton-Hicks Contractions and Exercise
High-Risk Pregnancies

Written by Marcy Reed

21 October, 2011

Fact Checked

Many pregnant women seek to maintain a healthy lifestyle and exercise during their pregnancies. While exercise is probably safe for most pregnant women, you should check with your doctor or midwife to make sure it is safe for you to exercise. Different women experience different risk factors for complications during their pregnancies. If it is okay for you to exercise, know that you might experience Braxton-Hicks uterine contractions.

Braxton-Hicks Contractions

Braxton-Hicks contractions are practice contractions that allow your uterus to exercise and remain strong and powerful for the work of labor at the end of your pregnancy. According to Mayo Clinic, Braxton-Hicks contractions typically begin in the second trimester of pregnancy and feel like tightening in your lower abdomen 1. You might notice that your uterus becomes very hard or tight with these contractions. Braxton-Hicks contractions are painless and irregular. If you experience contractions that are painful and regular, seek medical advice.

Braxton-Hicks contractions are practice contractions that allow your uterus to exercise and remain strong and powerful for the work of labor at the end of your pregnancy.
You might notice that your uterus becomes very hard or tight with these contractions.

Exercise During Pregnancy

Is It OK to Start Exercising if I'm Six Months Pregnant?

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Exercise offers a variety of health benefits to you and your growing baby during pregnancy. Exercise helps with mood stabilization and provides a non-pharmacological approach to treating mild depression and anxiety. Exercise also helps you maintain aerobic fitness, which helps with labor. Strength training prepares you to be able to squat for pushing if necessary. You benefit from yoga, as well, which can enhance your flexibility and feeling of well-being.

Exercise offers a variety of health benefits to you and your growing baby during pregnancy.
You benefit from yoga, as well, which can enhance your flexibility and feeling of well-being.

Braxton-Hicks Contractions and Exercise

As women progress through pregnancy, they experience Braxton-Hick contractions more often. You may notice a significant increase in the frequency of these practice contractions during exercise. In general, as long as you have a low-risk pregnancy and the Braxton-Hicks contractions are painless, irregular and stop when you stop exercising, they should not have a negative impact on your pregnancy. Make sure you stay hydrated. If the contractions become painful, regular and do not stop when you stop exercising, consult with your physician or midwife.

As women progress through pregnancy, they experience Braxton-Hick contractions more often.
In general, as long as you have a low-risk pregnancy and the Braxton-Hicks contractions are painless, irregular and stop when you stop exercising, they should not have a negative impact on your pregnancy.

High-Risk Pregnancies

Exercises to Avoid During the First Trimester of Pregnancy

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Women with high-risk pregnancies should not participate in any activity that might trigger Braxton-Hicks contractions, including regular exercise. If you are pregnant with multiples, have a history of preterm delivery, have placenta previa or high blood pressure, discuss your daily activities with your healthcare provider. Regular daily activities, such as walking around a large store or cleaning the house, could trigger Braxton-Hicks contractions. If this occurs, lie down, monitor your contractions and notify your healthcare provider.