Articles

Key takeaways

• Braxton Hicks are practice contractions that prepare your womb for labour.
• They feel like a tightening of your abdomen and are usually uncomfortable, not painful.
• Stay hydrated and change positions to help ease Braxton Hicks discomfort.
• If you experience signs of preterm labour, contact your maternity unit for advice.

What are Braxton Hicks contractions? Braxton Hicks contractions happen when your womb contracts and then relaxes. They are sometimes called false labour pains or practice contractions. These contractions are one way your body prepares for labour. You may start to feel your tummy tighten for a few seconds from the middle of your pregnancy. Your bump might feel really tight, as if your skin is being stretched. It might also go solid for a minute or two. Braxton Hicks are caused by the muscles of your womb tightening due to pregnancy hormones. They can feel like mild menstrual cramps or a tightening across your stomach that comes and goes. Braxton Hicks may be uncomfortable, but they should not be painful. Experts believe they help tone your womb's muscles for labour. Some things can trigger Braxton Hicks contractions. These include:

• being very active
• having a full bladder
• having sex
• not drinking enough water (being dehydrated)

How to tell the difference: Braxton Hicks vs. true labour It can be easy to mistake Braxton Hicks for true labour, but they are different. Braxton Hicks contractions are weak, short-lasting, and irregular. They are more uncomfortable than painful. They do not become longer, more painful, or closer together over time. True labour contractions are different. They get longer and stronger. They also come at regular intervals and more often. True labour contractions are painful and increase in intensity. You might feel contractions as a tightening across your stomach. Sometimes, this feeling can also go into your back and thighs. Tips for managing Braxton Hicks discomfort Braxton Hicks contractions are nothing to worry about. There are several things you can do to ease any discomfort you feel. One helpful tip is to change your position. If you have been very active, try lying down. If you have been sitting for a long time, go for a walk. Staying hydrated by drinking water can also help. You can also try relaxing. This might include taking a warm bath or having a nap. When to call your midwife or maternity unit If your labour starts before you are 37 weeks pregnant, this is known as early labour (preterm labour). If you are less than 37 weeks pregnant and think you may be in early labour, call your hospital or maternity unit straight away for advice. Signs of preterm labour Contact your hospital maternity unit or midwife immediately if you have any of these symptoms: Regular contractions – your womb tightening then relaxing. Period-type pains– or pressure in your vaginal area. A show– when the plug of mucus that has sealed the neck of your womb (the cervix) comes away. This may be a sticky, jelly-like blob, sometimes with pinkish or brown blood. A gush or trickle of fluid– from your vagina, which may be your waters breaking. If your waters are smelly or have any colour (like green, brown, or black), this could be a sign of infection. Backache– that comes and goes and is not usual for you. Vaginal bleeding – at any time during your pregnancy. Change or reduction in your baby's movements. Early breaking of waters When your waters break before 37 weeks of pregnancy and before labour starts, this is called an early breaking of the waters. This condition is also known as preterm pre-labour rupture of membranes (PPROM). It's important to get medical advice right away as this can increase your risk of a preterm birth and the risk of infection for you and your baby. You should also call your midwife or maternity unit if you are unsure or worried about anything. They will tell you what to do next.