What is the difference between Braxton Hicks and contractions?

Braxton Hicks may feel like tightening across the abdomen. They can be uncomfortable but often do not follow a steady pattern. Changing position, drinking fluids or resting may make them ease. Labour contractions generally continue despite these changes and develop a pattern, with the womb tightening and relaxing repeatedly.

The sensation alone cannot always identify what is happening. Cervical changes and the stage of pregnancy matter, so a midwife or maternity team may need to assess you.

Pause and note when each tightening starts, how long it lasts and how far apart the episodes are. Rest, drink water and try a gentle change of position. Keep your maternity unit's contact details available. Do not delay calling because the pattern is uncertain, especially if pregnancy is not yet at term.

Contact your maternity team urgently for regular painful tightenings, leaking fluid, vaginal bleeding, reduced fetal movement, severe constant abdominal pain or pressure in the pelvis. Before term, repeated tightenings can be a sign of preterm labour and need prompt assessment; read about [Preterm Labour](/conditions/preterm-labour/).

Ask how your maternity unit defines a regular contraction pattern, when to come in, what to do if your waters may have broken, and which symptoms require emergency transport.