Strong Braxton Hicks contractions

Braxton Hicks contractions are practice tightenings that may happen during pregnancy. Your abdomen can become firm, then soften, and the sensation may ease after rest, hydration, changing position, or emptying your bladder. They can feel strong, especially later in pregnancy, without opening the cervix or marking established labour.

Established labour tends to develop a regular pattern, with contractions becoming closer, longer, and harder to manage. Contractions before the expected stage of pregnancy need particular attention because preterm labour can begin with tightening, pelvic pressure, backache, fluid leakage, or bleeding.

Pause and note when each tightening begins and ends. Drink water, rest on your side, change position, and notice whether the pattern settles. Keep your maternity unit's contact details available, and follow any personalised instructions from your midwife or obstetric team. Do not rely on a home check to decide that strong or changing contractions are harmless.

Contact your maternity team urgently for regular or increasingly painful contractions, vaginal bleeding, fluid leaking, reduced fetal movement, severe abdominal pain, fever, or strong contractions before term. Seek emergency help if you feel faint, have severe pain, or cannot reach your maternity service. A clinician can assess you and the baby even when the final cause is uncertain.

How should I time contractions, and when should I call? Could my symptoms indicate preterm labour? What should I do if fluid leaks or fetal movement changes?