What should you know about many braxton hicks contractions?

Braxton Hicks contractions are tightenings of the womb that can happen during pregnancy. They may feel uncomfortable, vary in strength, and remain irregular. They often ease with rest, hydration, changing position, or an empty bladder.

Labour contractions tend to become more regular, longer, stronger, and closer together. The distinction is not always clear, particularly if you are unsure how far along the pregnancy is or have had previous early labour.

Pause and note when each tightening starts, how long it lasts, and whether the gaps are shortening. Rest, drink water, empty your bladder, and change position. Keep your maternity unit's contact details accessible and call if the pattern does not settle or you feel uncertain.

If contractions occur before the expected time of birth or come with pelvic pressure, backache, fluid leakage, or bleeding, ask for prompt assessment. Learn about [Preterm Labour](/conditions/preterm-labour/) and its warning signs.

Contact your maternity service urgently for regular painful tightenings, vaginal bleeding, a gush or trickle of fluid, reduced fetal movement, persistent lower back or pelvic pressure, or contractions that continue despite rest and fluids.

Go to emergency care for severe pain, heavy bleeding, faintness, or feeling seriously unwell. Do not rely on whether contractions feel like previous ones; pregnancy stage and associated symptoms change the level of concern.

Ask how to time your contractions, which number to call outside clinic hours, how your pregnancy stage changes the advice, and whether an examination or monitoring is needed.