This is a period when you could begin to feel painless, irregular and intermittent contractions (Braxton-Hicks). They can appear after you exercise, after a hard day or after sexual intercourse. They usually last fifteen seconds to a minute.

Braxton Hicks contractions prepare the cervix to birth but you shouldn’t confuse them with actual labor. Consequently, you should talk to your doctor if you feel painful contractions more than four times in an hour, if their intensity increase and if they are followed by a vaginal discharge.