Contractions when your water has not broken

Labour does not always start with leaking fluid. Contractions may first feel like tightening across the abdomen or aching in the back, then become longer, stronger and closer together. Braxton Hicks tightenings often remain irregular and may ease with rest, movement or a change of activity. The pattern alone cannot confirm labour, especially if this is your first birth. The cervix may be changing before the membranes rupture, or the contractions may settle without established labour.

Write down when each tightening starts, how long it lasts and the time until the next one. Drink fluids if you can, rest, use slow breathing and keep a phone nearby. Follow the call-in plan from your maternity unit rather than waiting for your waters to break. Tell the team how far along the pregnancy is, whether you have bleeding or fluid loss, and whether fetal movement feels different.

Contact maternity care promptly for regular painful contractions, bleeding, suspected fluid loss, severe pain, fever or reduced fetal movement. If contractions occur before term, urgent assessment is needed because they can be a sign of preterm labour. Seek emergency help if you feel seriously unwell, have heavy bleeding or cannot safely travel for assessment.

Ask when your team wants you to come in, how to distinguish practice tightenings from labour, and what pain-relief options are available. Confirm what to do if contractions stop, your waters break later or fetal movements change.