How to stop Braxton Hicks

Braxton Hicks are practice contractions that tighten and relax the uterus. They may feel uncomfortable, occur irregularly, and ease after rest, hydration, a position change, or emptying your bladder. Labour contractions tend to build in strength and frequency rather than fade. Before the stage of pregnancy when labour is expected, regular tightening can be a sign of preterm labour and should not be dismissed as practice contractions.

Stop strenuous activity, sit or lie on your side, and drink water. Empty your bladder and notice whether the tightening settles over the next period of time. Avoid judging contractions by discomfort alone: record when each starts, how long it lasts, and whether the gaps are shortening. Follow your maternity team’s advice about medicines, activity, and monitoring, and do not take pain medicine without checking that it is suitable in pregnancy.

Contact your maternity unit urgently for regular or increasingly painful contractions, pelvic pressure, persistent lower backache, leaking fluid, vaginal bleeding, reduced fetal movement, or contractions before your expected due period. These symptoms may indicate labour or another pregnancy complication and need assessment.

Ask how to time contractions, which symptoms should trigger a direct call, how to monitor fetal movement, and what plan applies if tightening continues despite rest and fluids.