Braxton Hicks Versus Labour: How Can I Tell the Difference?

I remember hearing friends talk about Braxton Hicks before I really understood what they felt like.

Then I started having them myself!

My whole tummy would suddenly tighten and go rock hard. Sometimes it felt like my baby was being pushed right up into my ribs, and for a moment, it could even feel harder to breathe.

I'd lean back, change position or walk around, and eventually everything would settle.

After experiencing labour with my babies, the biggest difference became much clearer to me.

Braxton Hicks often settle. Labour contractions tend to keep coming and build.

But when you're pregnant and wondering, "Is this it?" it isn't always easy to tell.

What exactly are Braxton Hicks contractions?

Braxton Hicks are sometimes called practice contractions.

They're tightenings of your uterus that can happen throughout pregnancy, although you might not notice them until later on.

Your whole tummy might feel firm, tight or uncomfortable for a short time.

And despite the name "practice contractions", they aren't always gentle! Some mothers find them surprisingly intense.

What do real labour contractions feel like?

Labour can start with period-like cramps, lower back pain or tightenings that gradually become more noticeable.

As labour progresses, contractions generally become stronger, longer and closer together.

They also tend to continue even when you rest, walk around or change position.

But every labour is different, and early labour can be irregular too.

How can I tell the difference?

Rather than judging one contraction, look at what's happening over time.

Ask yourself:

• Are my contractions becoming more regular?

• Are they getting stronger?

• Are they coming closer together?

• Do they continue even when I rest or change position?

If those things are happening, labour may be starting.

Braxton Hicks, on the other hand, are often irregular and may ease or disappear when you change what you're doing.

What can trigger Braxton Hicks?

Sometimes they become more noticeable after you've been active, when you're dehydrated, with a full bladder or after sex.

And sometimes they happen without any obvious reason!

They can also become more frequent as you get closer to your due date.

What can I try if I'm not sure?

If you're otherwise feeling well and have no warning signs, try changing positions, resting, having some water or emptying your bladder.

A warm shower may also help you feel more comfortable.

Then notice what happens.

Do the tightenings settle, or are they becoming stronger and more regular?

When should I contact my maternity team?

If you think you might be in labour, or you're simply not sure, give your maternity team a call.

If you're less than 37 weeks pregnant and experiencing regular tightenings, period-like cramps, pelvic pressure or new back pain, seek advice promptly. These can be signs of preterm labour.

At any stage, contact your maternity team immediately if you think your waters have broken, have vaginal bleeding or notice a change in your baby's usual movements.

Even after four babies, I can tell you that labour doesn't always follow a perfect pattern.

But the biggest thing I learned was to pay attention to how those contractions changed.

My Braxton Hicks could be incredibly uncomfortable, but they usually settled.

My labour contractions kept coming and getting stronger.

And if you're standing there wondering whether this is finally it, please don't feel silly calling to ask.

Read next

• Stages of Labour: What Actually Happens

• Waters Breaking: What Happens Next?

• Cervical Checks: What They Can and Cannot Tell You