Braxton Hicks contractions: what they feel like and how to tell they’re not labour

Braxton Hicks contractions are the tightenings some people feel in the second and third trimesters. They can feel surprisingly real. Here’s how to tell them from labour, and when to call your midwife.

What are Braxton Hicks?

Braxton Hicks contractions are practice tightenings of the womb. Tommy’s says you will most likely feel them during the second or third trimester, though not everyone notices them. They tend to be more uncomfortable than painful. Your bump may feel tight or firm for a short time.

How they differ from labour

The NHS says Braxton Hicks contractions generally do not last long, do not happen very frequently and do not build up. They are usually painless or just uncomfortable. Real labour contractions are different:

They get longer, stronger and closer together as labour goes on.
They come at regular intervals.
They don’t go away when you change position or have a rest.
They open the cervix, which Braxton Hicks do not do.

What can help

Tommy’s suggests:

changing position. Lie down if you’ve been on your feet, or walk around if you’ve been sitting
having a rest, a warm bath or a nap
drinking water

When to call your midwife or maternity unit

Call your midwife or maternity unit straight away if:

you’re less than 37 weeks pregnant and you’re having regular tightenings, period-type pains or pressure. This could be early labour
you have contractions about every 5 minutes lasting at least 60 seconds
your waters break
you have vaginal bleeding
your baby’s movements have slowed down or changed. Don’t wait until the next day
you’re not sure, or something doesn’t feel right

You will not be wasting anyone’s time by calling. If you can’t reach them, call NHS 111. Call 999 if you think your baby is coming now and you feel a strong urge to push. See our signs of labour guide for more.

Tightening at night

Plenty of people notice tightenings in the evening or at night. If you’ve got pressure low down as well, see tightening and pelvic pressure at night in the third trimester and pressure down there in pregnancy.

Questions people ask

When do Braxton Hicks start?

Tommy’s says you will most likely feel them in the second or third trimester, but plenty of people don’t notice them.

Are Braxton Hicks painful?

They shouldn’t be. Tommy’s describes them as more uncomfortable than painful. If the pain is strong, regular or getting worse, call your midwife or maternity unit.

Can Braxton Hicks start labour?

Braxton Hicks aren’t labour and don’t open the cervix, but sometimes it’s hard to tell them apart, so call if you’re unsure.

I’m under 37 weeks and having tightenings. What should I do?

Call your maternity unit or midwife urgently. It could be early labour and needs checking.