Answer:Mary is pregnant .This time is really tough for every woman.She might undergo several changes in her body.She experiences contractions.Such contractions are called Braxton hicks.
Explanation:Sometimes during second and third trimester of pregnancy,Mary may feels that her belly is getting tight and firm to touch .But after sometimes she might feel relaxed.This tightening and than relaxation of uterine muscles is called Braxton hicks.These may be very strong at a time but at another time it may be very mild.Strong contractions might be hard to tolerate.
In some women it might start in 20th week of pregnancy but mostly it starts in 28th to 30th week of pregnancy.These contractions often occur during ninth month after every 10 to 20 minutes.
Preterm labour:
It occurs in a woman who is 20 to 37 weeks pregnant and has regular uterine contractions.it takes place for 6 or more in an hour
Early labour:
It lasts for 2 to 3 days for 30 to 45 seconds.
Active labour:
This occurs when cervix is fully dilated and baby is ready to pushed out.Mary may feel restless and uneasy at this stage.