What type of contractions are experienced before true labor?

Braxton-Hicks contractions are often referred to as "practice contractions" and typically occur before the onset of true labor. They are usually irregular and are not a sign of active labor. These contractions help to prepare the uterus for the actual labor process by toning the uterine muscles. They can vary in frequency and intensity, but they do not lead to cervical dilation in the same way that true labor contractions do.

Active labor contractions, on the other hand, signify that labor has begun and are focused on dilating the cervix. Transitional contractions are part of the second stage of labor, which occurs when the cervix is nearly fully dilated. Cervical contractions is not a term commonly used in obstetrics to describe contractions experienced prior to labor; instead, it may refer to the overall function of the cervix during childbirth.

Therefore, Braxton-Hicks contractions are the correct answer because they are specifically the type of contractions that may occur in the weeks and days leading up to true labor, serving a preparative role rather than indicating active labor has commenced.