Can braxton hicks be painful?

A Braxton Hicks contraction makes the uterus tighten and then relax. The abdomen may become firm, with pressure, squeezing or an ache across the front. The sensation can be strong enough to interrupt an activity, particularly later in pregnancy, but intensity alone cannot reliably distinguish practice contractions from labour.

Practice contractions tend not to build into a steady pattern. Labour contractions may become longer, stronger and closer together and continue despite changing position, resting or drinking water. A maternity assessment may be needed when the pattern is unclear.

Pause and note when each tightening starts, how long it lasts and whether the spacing changes. Drink water, empty your bladder and try a different position or gentle rest. These measures can calm Braxton Hicks contractions, but do not use improvement as the only test if other warning signs are present.

Keep your maternity unit's contact details available. If you are unsure whether labour has begun, call and describe your pregnancy stage, the contraction pattern and any vaginal discharge, bleeding or fluid loss.

Contact your maternity unit promptly if contractions become regular or progressively stronger, if you are not yet at term and think labour may be starting, or if pain is severe, constant or does not ease between tightenings. Possible labour before term requires assessment for preterm labour.

Seek urgent maternity advice for vaginal bleeding, a gush or ongoing trickle of fluid, fever, feeling very unwell, or a noticeable reduction in your baby's usual movements. Call even when you cannot tell whether the tightenings are Braxton Hicks.

Ask which contraction pattern should trigger a call at your current stage of pregnancy, where to attend outside clinic hours, and whether any feature of your pregnancy changes the advice. You can also ask how to monitor fetal movement in the way recommended by your maternity team.