Braxton Hicks Contractions in Early Pregnancy: What to Expect

Question
I am 21 years old and am currently 23 weeks pregnant with my 2nd baby. I delivered my first at 23 wks 6 days. I am experiencing braxton hicks (I didn't have them with my first) and I am worried that they may cause me to go into early labor. Should I be worried? I haven't been able to tell exactly how many I have each day but isn't it a risk to have any at all when I have the history that I do?

Answer
Braxton-Hicks contractions will not cause you to go into preterm labor. They are contractions that do not cause any focus of real contractions. If you do not have painful contractions at the fundus of your uterus that come more frequently than every 10 minutes, each lasting for at least 45 seconds, you do not need to worry. If, on the other hand, you start to have contractions at the level of your belly button that are more than every 10 minutes, first drink copious amounts of fluid. Then, if the contractions persist, call your doctor and see if your cervix is starting to dilate. The Braxton Hicks contractions will not hurt you.