What should you know about braxton hicks contractions during pregnancy?

They can feel like the abdomen becomes firm and then relaxes. Unlike established labour contractions, they do not typically develop into a steadily stronger, longer and closer pattern.

These tightenings may appear after activity, when the bladder is full, after sex or when you have not had enough fluid. The sensation is commonly felt across the front of the abdomen. Pattern matters more than the label: contractions that become regular, increasingly painful or progressively closer together may represent labour and deserve maternity advice, especially before the pregnancy has reached term. Preterm labour can present with regular tightenings, pelvic pressure, low backache, cramps or a change in vaginal discharge.

Pause your activity, empty your bladder, drink water and try a different position. Note when the tightenings start, how long each one lasts, whether the gaps change and whether there are other symptoms. If movement triggered them, resting may help; if you have been sitting, a gentle walk may change the pattern. Continue paying attention to your baby’s usual movements. Contact your maternity team if you cannot tell whether the tightenings are Braxton Hicks or labour.

Call your maternity unit promptly if contractions become regular, stronger or painful; if your waters may have broken; or if you have vaginal bleeding, reduced baby movement, pelvic pressure, persistent low back pain, fever or feel unwell. Seek advice urgently for repeated tightenings before term, even when you are unsure whether they are labour. Severe constant abdominal pain, heavy bleeding, fainting or breathing difficulty requires emergency help. Follow the specific contact plan your maternity team has given you.

Ask how your stage of pregnancy changes the advice, which number to call outside clinic hours, and what contraction pattern they want you to report. Discuss any previous preterm birth, cervical procedure or pregnancy complication because these may affect your individual plan.