Braxton Hicks vs Real Contractions: How to Tell the Difference

One of the most common questions in the final weeks of pregnancy is simply 'is this it?' Your body starts rehearsing for labour well ahead of time with Braxton Hicks contractions, and telling those apart from the real thing can be confusing, especially with your first baby. Here's a clear guide to the differences, some simple ways to check, and when to call your midwife. It's general information, not medical advice, so always follow the guidance of your own midwife or hospital.

What are Braxton Hicks contractions?

Braxton Hicks are often called 'practice' contractions. They're your uterus gently tightening and relaxing to prepare for the work ahead, and they can start from the middle of pregnancy, becoming more noticeable in the third trimester. The key thing to know is that Braxton Hicks don't open your cervix and don't mean labour is beginning. They tend to be irregular and short (often around 30 seconds), uncomfortable rather than truly painful, and they come and go without any real pattern.

What are real labour contractions?

Real labour contractions are doing a different job: they dilate (open) your cervix and help move your baby down. Because of that, they behave very differently. They come at regular intervals and, over time, get longer, stronger and closer together. They don't ease off when you move around, and they build in intensity rather than fading. In active labour, contractions typically come every 2 to 3 minutes and last around 50 to 60 seconds.

How to tell the difference

Here are the main signs, side by side:

• Regularity: Braxton Hicks are irregular and unpredictable. Real contractions come at regular intervals and get closer together.
• Intensity: Braxton Hicks stay about the same or fade away. Real contractions get steadily stronger.
• Length: Braxton Hicks are often short, around 30 seconds. Real contractions lengthen over time, up to 50 to 60 seconds.
• Movement: Braxton Hicks often ease if you change position or walk. Real contractions carry on, and activity can make them stronger.
• Pain: Braxton Hicks are usually uncomfortable but not painful. Real contractions become genuinely painful.
• Other signs: real labour often comes alongside a 'show', backache, or your waters breaking.

Simple ways to check

If you're not sure what's going on, a few gentle checks can help:

• Change position or go for a short walk. Braxton Hicks often settle, while real contractions keep going.
• Have a drink of water and rest. Braxton Hicks can be brought on by dehydration and may ease when you hydrate and lie down.
• Try a warm bath or shower. It can relax practice contractions, while real labour continues regardless.
• Start timing them. If they're becoming regular, longer and closer together, that points to labour.

Timing your contractions

Once things feel like they might be the real deal, it helps to time them. Note how long each one lasts and how far apart they are (from the start of one to the start of the next). You don't need to time every single one, just enough to see whether they're getting longer, stronger and closer together. A free contraction-timer app makes this easy, and our guide to coping with early labour at home walks through what to do next.

When it's real labour, this is your moment

Recognising the shift from practice contractions to early labour is exactly when many women reach for their comfort tools. Early labour, usually at home, is the ideal time to start using a labour TENS machine, because it works best when you build it up gradually from the start. Having it ready to go means you can begin the moment you're confident labour has begun. We hire labour TENS machines across South-East Queensland, cleaned and ready for your due date.

When to call your midwife or hospital

If you're ever unsure whether it's Braxton Hicks or the real thing, call your midwife or hospital. They would always rather you checked, and they can tell for certain. Contact them straight away, at any hour, if:

• Your contractions are regular, strong and about 5 minutes apart (or sooner if you live a long way from your birth place).
• Your waters break, especially if the fluid is green or brown.
• You have any vaginal bleeding.
• Your baby is moving less than usual.
• Contractions start before 37 weeks.

Trust your instincts. You know your body, and a quick phone call can put your mind at ease.

References and further reading

• Pregnancy, Birth and Baby (Braxton Hicks contractions)
• Pregnancy, Birth and Baby (Braxton Hicks or labour contractions?)
• healthdirect (giving birth: contractions)
• Pregnancy, Birth and Baby (early signs of labour)

Frequently asked questions