How common are Braxton Hicks contractions?

A Braxton Hicks contraction is a temporary tightening of the womb. Your abdomen may feel firm and then soften. The sensation can be uncomfortable, but it often settles when you rest, change position, drink fluids or empty your bladder. The pattern can vary from person to person and may become more noticeable as pregnancy progresses.

Practice contractions do not reliably predict exactly when labour will begin. What matters is a change in pattern: labour contractions tend to become regular, longer, stronger and closer together, while Braxton Hicks tightenings commonly ease or stay uneven.

Pause strenuous activity, rest on your side, drink water and notice whether the tightenings settle. Record when they start, how long they last and whether the gaps are shortening. Keep your maternity contact details available, particularly if you are before full term or cannot tell whether the pattern is changing. Do not dismiss persistent or painful tightenings simply because you have had practice contractions before.

Contact your maternity team promptly if tightenings become regular, painful or closer together, or if you have fluid leaking, vaginal bleeding, pelvic pressure, unusual backache or reduced fetal movement. These symptoms can need assessment for labour before term. Seek urgent care for heavy bleeding, severe pain, fainting or feeling seriously unwell.

Ask how to time contractions, which symptoms should prompt a call, how to check reduced fetal movement, and where to go if the maternity team cannot be reached.