What do braxton hicks contractions feel like?

You may notice your abdomen becoming firm before relaxing. The feeling can be uncomfortable, heavy, or mildly cramp-like, and it may be felt across the front of the abdomen rather than as a regular pattern of pain. Some people barely notice these tightenings; others find them distracting.

Practice contractions do not usually build a consistent rhythm. They may settle after rest, changing position, drinking fluids, or emptying your bladder. Labour contractions tend to become longer, stronger, and closer together, but the sensations can overlap, so timing and other symptoms matter.

Pause, rest, change position, and drink fluids. Note when each tightening starts, how long it lasts, and whether the pattern is becoming regular. Keep your maternity unit’s contact details available, particularly if you are unsure whether the contractions are practice tightenings or labour.

Contact your maternity team urgently if tightenings become regular or painful, or if you have vaginal bleeding, leaking fluid, reduced fetal movement, pelvic pressure, or persistent lower back pain. Before your planned due date, regular tightenings with period-like cramps, fluid loss, or pressure may indicate preterm labour and should be assessed promptly. If you feel uncertain, call for advice.

How should I time my tightenings, and which pattern means I should call? What symptoms should I monitor alongside them, and who should I contact outside normal clinic hours?