How can I tell real contractions from Braxton Hicks?

Braxton Hicks are practice contractions: the womb tightens and relaxes, but the pattern usually does not build steadily. They may ease after you rest, drink, empty your bladder, or change position. Real labour contractions tend to continue despite these changes, last longer as labour progresses, and become harder to talk or walk through.

A tightening may be felt across the abdomen, in the lower back, or as pressure in the pelvis. The pattern is more useful than one contraction, so note when each one starts and how long it lasts. Some people have an uncertain early phase, and only an examination can confirm whether the cervix is changing.

Stop and rest, drink some water, empty your bladder, and change position. Time contractions from the start of one tightening to the start of the next, while also recording how long each lasts. Keep your maternity unit's contact details available and follow the individual instructions given during pregnancy.

If the tightenings become regular, stronger, or closer together, contact your maternity team for guidance. Do not drive yourself if you feel unwell, have severe pain, or think labour may be progressing.

Contact your maternity team urgently for vaginal bleeding, leaking fluid, reduced fetal movement, severe constant pain, or contractions before the stage of pregnancy when labour is expected. Preterm Labour can begin with regular tightenings, pelvic pressure, backache, or a change in discharge.

Ask how to time contractions, which symptoms matter for your stage of pregnancy, where to call at night, and when you should attend the maternity unit.