Understanding Braxton Hicks Contractions: Everything You Need to Know

During pregnancy, your body starts practising for the real thing long before labour actually begins.Those unexpected tightening's you feel? They’re most likely Braxton Hicks contractions — sometimes called your body’s “rehearsals” for birth.

In this blog, we’ll explain what Braxton Hicks feel like, how they differ from labour contractions, when to call your midwife, and how you can feel confident in understanding your body’s cues.

What Are Braxton Hicks Contractions?

Braxton Hicks are normal, harmless tightening's of your uterus.They can start as early as the second trimester, though they’re more common in the third.

Think of them as your womb doing a bit of a warm-up — practising for the big day!

They help tone the muscles of the uterus and improve blood flow to your baby, but they aren’t a sign that labour has started.

What Do Braxton Hicks Feel Like?

Everyone experiences them differently, but common signs include:

• A tightening or hardening sensation across your bump

• Irregular patterns — they might come and go randomly

• Usually painless or just mildly uncomfortable (more like pressure than pain)

• They tend to ease off if you change position, rest, or have a drink of water

  
  

You might notice them more after being active, having sex, or even if you're a little dehydrated.

Braxton Hicks vs Real Labour: How Can You Tell?

It’s completely normal to wonder, especially if this is your first baby!

Here’s a quick guide to the key differences:

Braxton Hicks	Real Labour
Irregular	Regular and get closer together
Mild, more uncomfortable than painful	Increasingly strong and painful
Often stop if you move, rest, or drink water	Continue regardless of what you do
No progressive change to cervix	Cause the cervix to thin (efface) and open (dilate)

Top Tip:In The Birth & Baby Academy, we teach you how to confidently tell the difference between early labour and practice contractions in an easy to understand demo— so you feel calm, not panicked, when things start happening.

▶️ Find out more about the course here

When Are Braxton Hicks More Common?

You might notice Braxton Hicks more often:

• After exercise

• If you’re dehydrated

• When your bladder is full

• After sex or orgasms

• Later in the day when you're tired

✅ Staying well hydrated and resting can help ease them.

Should I Be Worried About Braxton Hicks?

In most cases, Braxton Hicks are nothing to worry about.But it's important to know when to seek advice.

Call your midwife if you experience:

• Regular, painful contractions before 37 weeks

• Waters breaking

• Bleeding or a show

• Decreased baby movements

• Intense pain that doesn't ease with rest

It’s always better to check — you are never wasting anyone’s time.

🌟 Knowing what’s normal and what’s not is one of the ways we empower parents-to-be inside The Birth & Baby Academy.When you understand your body’s signs, you can feel in control of your pregnancy and birth journey.

Can Braxton Hicks Help Labour Start?

Braxton Hicks on their own don’t cause labour to start, but they’re a sign your body is getting ready.

Think of it like training before a marathon — your uterus is getting stronger, practising the rhythm it’ll need when real labour begins.

How to Manage Braxton Hicks Discomfort

Here are some ways to ease Braxton Hicks if they're feeling uncomfortable:

• Change position — stand up if you’ve been sitting, or lie down if you’ve been on your feet

• Have a warm bath (but not too hot)

• Drink water — dehydration can trigger them

• Empty your bladder

• Try relaxation techniques — (we teach our favourites inside The Birth & Baby Academy!)

Final Thoughts: Trust Your Body

Braxton Hicks contractions are a normal, healthy part of your pregnancy journey.Understanding them means you’ll feel less anxious — and more confident as you approach the birth of your baby.

✨ If you want to feel even more prepared for birth, baby care, and recovery, our expert-led course — The Birth & Baby Academy — has everything you need, including clear, evidence-based guidance on understanding labour signs, when to call your midwife, and how to have the most positive birth possible.

🌿 You’ve got this — and we’re here to help every step of the way.