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LaborWeeks 24–42

Braxton Hicks or Real Contractions? How to Tell Them Apart

Braxton Hicks tightenings have no pattern and often ease with rest, while labor contractions get longer, stronger and closer together. Timing them shows which.

  • MyPregnancy editorial
  • Updated
  • 1 min read
  • 5 sources

Not yet medically reviewed. This article sums up published guidance from the sources at the end. It is not medical advice: follow your own midwife or doctor.

On this page
  1. How they tend to differ
  2. Time them
Hands making a heart shape on a pregnant belly in a mustard top.
Photo by Alicia Petresc on Unsplash

Braxton Hicks are practice contractions. They can start weeks before labor, and you may notice them more toward the end of the day. Some are very painful, so it is easy to take them for labor.

How they tend to differ

  • Pattern: Braxton Hicks have no pattern and do not get closer together. Labor contractions come at regular times, get closer together and last about 60 to 90 seconds each.
  • Movement and rest: Braxton Hicks may stop when you walk, rest or change position. Labor contractions keep going.
  • Strength: Braxton Hicks do not get much stronger, and may start strong and then fade. Labor contractions get steadily stronger.
  • Where you feel them: Braxton Hicks tend to stay in the front. Labor pain usually begins in your back and works its way to the front.

Time them

Timing a few in a row shows whether they are settling into a pattern. The contraction timer records how long each one lasts and how far apart they are.

You can also rest and drink some water, then see whether they carry on. If rest and water make them go away, that points to Braxton Hicks.

Timing cannot always settle it. Sometimes a vaginal examination, which checks your cervix for changes, is the only way to tell.

If you think labor has started, or you are not sure, call your provider. You do not need to be certain before you call.

Sources

  1. NHSSigns that labour has begun
  2. NHS33 weeks pregnant guide
  3. NHSPremature labour and birth
  4. ACOGHow to Tell When Labor Begins
  5. ACOGPreterm Labor and Birth

Last checked .

Written by the MyPregnancy editorial team from the sources above.

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