Braxton Hicks contractions: how do they differ from real labour?

Did your belly suddenly tighten and then relax? You have probably met Braxton Hicks, the practice contractions. They are usually harmless, but because they can be mixed up with real labour contractions, it helps to know the difference.

What are Braxton Hicks contractions?

The womb tightens now and then on its own throughout pregnancy. You can think of these tightenings as a kind of training that prepares it for birth. Some people notice them from around 20 weeks, others much later or not at all. Both are within the usual range.

During a contraction your belly hardens and it usually lasts from about half a minute to two minutes before it relaxes again. They often feel more like squeezing or pressure than pain.

What can set them off?

Things that can bring them on include:

• Dehydration
• Standing for a long time or being very tired
• A full bladder
• Your baby moving a lot
• Sex or your belly being touched
• Evenings, towards the end of the day

Very often a glass of water, a change of position or a rest is enough.

How they differ from real contractions

These clues can help you tell them apart:

• Pattern: Braxton Hicks are irregular and the gaps keep changing. Real contractions come at regular intervals and get closer together.
• Strength: Practice contractions fade or stay the same. Labour contractions get steadily stronger.
• Length: Real contractions become a little longer each time.
• Effect of movement: Walking, drinking water or lying down usually eases Braxton Hicks. Real contractions are not affected.
• Location: Practice contractions are mostly felt at the front. Real contractions often start in the back and wrap around.

If you would like to keep a record, the contraction timer in the app can help. Seeing whether the gaps are regular makes the decision easier.

What practice contractions are for

The womb is a muscle, and it has to be strong for birth. Practice contractions exercise it and may help the cervix to soften. As the birth gets closer these contractions often become more frequent and more noticeable. That is why trying to tell real and practice contractions apart in the last weeks can be confusing. If at any point you are worried, calling the hospital will guide you.

When to contact your doctor

Contact your doctor or hospital without delay if:

• Before 37 weeks you have regular contractions that get closer together within an hour
• Contractions come with bleeding, leaking fluid or a clear increase in discharge
• Contractions become very strong, constant or do not ease
• You notice that your baby is moving less
• Fever, burning when passing urine or back pain come with them

For heavy bleeding, fainting or shortness of breath, call 112 (or your local emergency number). If you are not sure, calling is always a good choice; no one will judge you for asking.

What you can do

• Drink a glass of water; dehydration can make contractions more frequent.
• Change position: lie on your side or take a short walk.
• Take a warm shower or try a relaxation or breathing exercise.
• Empty your bladder.
• Write down when contractions come, how long they last and what eases them.
• Keeping busy with preparations such as a birth class or birth plan can reduce worry.

Feeling practice contractions does not mean something is going wrong; most often it is a sign that your body is doing its job. Still, if you do not feel at ease, trust your instincts. This article is for information only; your doctor's and midwife's advice for your own situation comes first.