Final answer:
Braxton Hicks contractions are spontaneous uterine contractions late in pregnancy that are NOT associated with cervical dilation. They are painless and help prepare the uterus for labor.
Step-by-step explanation:
The spontaneous uterine contractions late in pregnancy, that are NOT associated with cervical dilation, are known as Braxton Hicks contractions.
Braxton Hicks contractions are irregular and painless contractions that can occur throughout pregnancy. They are often described as practice contractions as they help prepare the uterus for labor by toning the uterine muscles. Unlike true labor contractions, Braxton Hicks contractions do not lead to cervical dilation or effacement.
For example, if a pregnant woman is experiencing mild and irregular contractions, but her cervix is not dilating, it is likely that she is experiencing Braxton Hicks contractions.