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Braxton Hicks vs Real Contractions: How to Tell the Difference

Braxton Hicks tightenings are common in the second half of pregnancy. Learn how they differ from labour contractions and when to call your maternity unit.

Before you use this guide: This is general educational information, not an individual medical assessment. We do not identify a clinician reviewer on this page, so please confirm personal health decisions with your doctor, midwife or paediatrician.

Braxton Hicks contractions are practice tightenings of the womb. They can begin around the middle of pregnancy, although most people first notice them in the third trimester. They are normal, and they do not mean that labour is starting. Even so, telling them apart from the real thing can be hard, especially in a first pregnancy.

What Braxton Hicks feel like

You feel the muscles of your womb tighten, so your bump becomes hard to the touch, and then relax again. The feeling is usually uncomfortable rather than painful. Each tightening typically lasts from about 30 seconds to two minutes, and they come at irregular intervals. They do not build up in a steady pattern.

What can set them off

• Being dehydrated
• A full bladder
• Being very active, or your baby moving a lot
• Sex
• Being tired or stressed

Braxton Hicks compared with labour contractions

• Timing: Braxton Hicks are irregular and do not get closer together. Labour contractions follow a pattern and gradually become more frequent.
• Strength: Braxton Hicks stay mild or fade away. Labour contractions get stronger and harder to talk through.
• Length: Braxton Hicks do not get longer. Labour contractions usually last longer over time, building towards about a minute.
• What eases them: Braxton Hicks often stop when you change position, walk, rest or drink some water. Labour contractions carry on whatever you do.
• Where you feel them: Braxton Hicks are usually felt at the front of your tummy. Labour contractions often start in the back and move to the front, or can be felt all around.

What to try if they are uncomfortable

• Change position, or move around if you have been sitting
• Rest or lie on your side if you have been busy
• Drink a glass of water
• Empty your bladder
• Take a warm (not hot) bath or shower
• Breathe slowly and deeply

Timing your contractions

If you are unsure, write down when each tightening starts and how long it lasts for an hour or so. A pattern that is regular and closer together points towards labour. Our contraction timer on this site can do this for you. If your pregnancy has reached 37 weeks or more and the pattern is building, follow the advice from your maternity unit about when to call.

When to call your maternity unit

Please do not wait to see what happens if any of the following apply:

• You are less than 37 weeks pregnant and are having regular or painful tightenings, even if they ease off
• Your waters break, or you have a trickle of fluid you cannot control
• You have vaginal bleeding
• Your baby is moving less than usual
• The pain is severe or constant, or does not ease between tightenings
• You have a severe headache, changes in your vision, sudden swelling or a fever
• You are worried for any reason. Maternity staff would always rather check you than have you stay at home anxious.

This content is for general information only and is not medical advice. Every pregnancy and every baby is different. Always talk to your doctor, midwife or paediatrician about your own situation, and seek urgent care if you are worried.