How do Braxton Hicks differ from real contractions?

Braxton Hicks are practice tightenings. They may feel like the abdomen is firming, vary in intensity, and stop after changing position, drinking fluids, resting, or emptying your bladder. Labour contractions often develop a pattern and continue despite those changes. They may spread from the back to the front, become harder to talk through, and accompany cervical change. Sensation alone cannot confirm labour, particularly when contractions are new or you are before term.

Pause and record when each tightening starts and ends. Drink water, rest on your side, or change position, then see whether the pattern settles. Keep track of fluid leakage, bleeding, pelvic pressure, backache, and baby movements as well. If contractions continue or become rhythmic, call your maternity service for guidance rather than relying only on a home timing pattern.

Contact maternity care urgently for contractions before term, regular contractions that are building, suspected waters breaking, vaginal bleeding, severe pain, fever, reduced baby movements, or green or brown fluid. Preterm Labour can present with contractions, so do not dismiss repeated tightenings as practice contractions when pregnancy is still early. If symptoms are severe or you cannot reach your team, use local emergency services.

Ask how to time contractions, which pattern should prompt a call, and whether your pregnancy changes the advice. Ask what to do if fluid leaks, movements reduce, or contractions settle and then return. Clarify the out-of-hours contact route before you need it.