North American Registry of Midwives (NARM) Practice Exam

At approximately how many weeks gestation do Braxton-Hick contractions begin?

1. 4 weeks

2. 6 weeks

3. 12 weeks

4. 20 weeks

The correct answer is: 6 weeks

Braxton-Hicks contractions are often referred to as practice contractions and typically begin around the 20th week of pregnancy. These contractions are a normal phenomenon experienced by pregnant individuals as the body prepares for labor. While early pregnancy involves various physiological changes, noticeable Braxton-Hicks contractions are not commonly acknowledged until later in the second trimester. At around 20 weeks gestation, the uterus starts to expand more noticeably, leading to the sensation of these contractions. These are not true labor contractions; rather, they are irregular and usually painless, serving to tone the uterine muscle and stimulate blood flow to the placenta. The earlier weeks of gestation listed in the other options do not typically see the onset of Braxton-Hicks contractions, as the uterus is still growing and adjusting to accommodate the developing fetus. By around 20 weeks, however, a pregnant person may begin to feel these contractions intermittently.