What are Braxton Hicks contractions?

Braxton Hicks contractions are irregular tightenings of the womb that can happen during pregnancy without steadily opening the cervix. They are sometimes called practice contractions or false labour.

Your abdomen may feel firm, then relax. The sensation can be uncomfortable, but it often stays irregular rather than building into a clear pattern. They may settle after rest, drinking water, changing position, or emptying your bladder. Labour contractions generally become more regular, stronger, and closer together, although the difference is not always possible to judge at home.

Pause and notice when each tightening starts, how long it lasts, and whether the pattern changes. Rest on your side, drink fluids, and try a gentle change of position. Avoid strenuous activity while you work out whether the tightenings are settling. If you are unsure, contact your maternity team for advice and tell them how far along you are.

Contact your maternity unit promptly for regular or painful tightenings, vaginal bleeding, leaking fluid, reduced fetal movement, pelvic pressure, or persistent lower back pain. Before 37 weeks, repeated tightenings or a period-like pattern needs assessment because it may be a sign of preterm labour. Seek urgent help if you feel very unwell or have severe pain.

Ask how your maternity service wants you to time contractions, which symptoms require an immediate call, and what to do if tightenings continue after rest and fluids.