How to cope with Braxton Hicks?

Practice contractions can make the womb feel tight or hard before it relaxes. They may be noticeable after activity, later in pregnancy, or when you have not had enough fluids. They commonly remain irregular and do not steadily build in strength.

Discomfort is real even when the tightenings are not labour. If the pattern changes, it is safer to describe what you feel to your maternity team than to rely on the name Braxton Hicks.

Rest on your side or change position, take slow breaths, and sip water. Empty your bladder and try a warm shower if your maternity team has said this is suitable. Gentle movement can help you find a position that reduces pressure.

Time the tightenings from the start of one to the start of the next. Write down fluid loss, bleeding, pain, backache, and fetal movement. Keep your maternity contact details nearby and follow the personal plan given at your antenatal visits.

Call your maternity team if tightenings become regular, stronger, closer together, or do not settle with rest. Also call for fluid leaking, vaginal bleeding, persistent backache, pelvic pressure, fever, or reduced fetal movement.

Before term, these symptoms can be associated with preterm labour and should not be managed at home without advice. Seek urgent care if pain is severe, bleeding is heavy, or you feel faint or seriously unwell.

Ask how your team defines a concerning contraction pattern, which pain-relief measures are suitable, when to come to hospital, and what to do if you cannot reach the usual contact number.