Braxton Hicks are irregular practice contractions that do not get closer together or stronger over time. They usually stop when you change position, have a bath, or rest. Real labour contractions follow a regular pattern, get progressively stronger and closer together, and do not ease with rest. Call your hospital when contractions are regular, lasting 60 seconds, and coming every 5 minutes.
Braxton Hicks contractions are practice tightenings of the uterus that occur during pregnancy. Named after the English doctor John Braxton Hicks who first described them in 1872, they are your body''s way of preparing for labour without actually starting it.
Most people begin to notice Braxton Hicks from around 16 weeks of pregnancy, though they can start earlier. They become more frequent in the third trimester, particularly from 28 weeks onwards. Some people barely notice them, while others find them quite uncomfortable.
Braxton Hicks are completely normal and are not a sign that anything is wrong. They do not dilate the cervix or lead to labour. However, they can sometimes be confusing, particularly towards the end of pregnancy when they may become stronger and more frequent.
The most reliable way to tell the difference is to observe the pattern over time. Here are the key distinctions:
Pattern and regularity. Braxton Hicks are irregular. They may come a few times an hour, then stop entirely, then start again later. There is no predictable rhythm. Real labour contractions come at regular intervals that gradually get closer together. If you time them and they are consistently 8 minutes apart, then 6, then 5, this is a strong indicator of real labour.
Progression. Braxton Hicks do not get stronger or longer over time. They tend to stay at a similar intensity. Real labour contractions build progressively. They start shorter (around 30 seconds) and get longer (up to 60 to 90 seconds). They also intensify, starting as mild cramping and building to strong, wave-like sensations.
Response to movement and rest. Braxton Hicks usually ease or stop when you change position, lie down, have a warm bath, or drink water. Real labour contractions continue regardless of what you do. If you can walk them off or make them stop by resting, they are almost certainly Braxton Hicks.
Location. Braxton Hicks are typically felt as a tightening across the front of the abdomen. Real labour contractions often start in the lower back and radiate around to the front, or feel like a deep ache low in the pelvis that wraps around. Some people describe a wave that builds from the back.
Pain level. Braxton Hicks are usually uncomfortable rather than painful, described as a squeezing or tightening sensation. Real labour contractions become genuinely painful over time, requiring concentration and breathing techniques to manage.
| Feature | Braxton Hicks | Real labour |
|---|---|---|
| Pattern | Irregular, unpredictable | Regular, rhythmic |
| Frequency | Does not increase | Gets closer together |
| Duration | Stays around 30 seconds | Builds from 30 to 60+ seconds |
| Intensity | Stays mild to moderate | Gets progressively stronger |
| Stops with rest? | Usually yes | No |
| Location | Front of abdomen | Back and/or wrapping around |
| Cervix change | No dilation | Cervix dilates over time |
Several things can trigger Braxton Hicks contractions. Dehydration is one of the most common causes, so drinking a glass of water can sometimes stop them. Physical activity, particularly after being on your feet for a long time, can trigger them. A full bladder may contribute. Sexual activity and orgasm can also trigger uterine tightening. Being touched on the abdomen, including when the baby moves vigorously, can set them off.
Contact your maternity unit if:
The contractions become regular and are getting closer together. They are accompanied by vaginal bleeding. Your waters break. You feel a reduction in baby''s movements. You are less than 37 weeks pregnant and the contractions are persistent. You feel unwell, have a fever, or the pain is severe.
It is always better to call and be reassured than to stay at home worrying. Midwives assess calls like this every day and will not judge you for checking.
When Braxton Hicks are bothersome, try drinking a large glass of water, changing position (if standing, sit or lie down, and vice versa), taking a warm bath (not hot), practising slow breathing, and going for a gentle walk if you have been sitting still. If they are happening at night, try lying on your left side with a pillow between your knees.
If you are unsure whether contractions are real, start timing them. Use Nuhah''s contraction timer, a stopwatch, or a clock with a second hand. Record when each contraction starts and how long it lasts. Time from the start of one contraction to the start of the next. Track for at least an hour. If contractions are consistently getting closer together and longer, it is likely early labour. If the pattern is erratic and stops when you rest, it is probably Braxton Hicks.
Most people notice them from around 16 weeks of pregnancy, though they become more frequent and noticeable from 28 weeks onwards. Some people feel them earlier, especially in second or subsequent pregnancies.
They are usually uncomfortable rather than painful — a tightening or squeezing sensation. If they become genuinely painful, regular, and progressive, they may be real contractions and you should call your midwife.
Not necessarily. Braxton Hicks occur throughout pregnancy and are not a reliable predictor of when labour will start. However, more frequent Braxton Hicks in the final weeks can mean your body is preparing.
Yes, dehydration is one of the most common triggers. Drinking a glass of water often helps reduce or stop Braxton Hicks contractions.
Not usually. However, if contractions become regular and progressive, are accompanied by bleeding or fluid loss, or you are less than 37 weeks pregnant, contact your maternity unit.
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