Braxton Hicks vs. Real Contractions — How to Tell the Difference

What are Braxton Hicks contractions?

Braxton Hicks contractions are practice contractions—tightening of the uterine muscles that do not open the cervix or lead to birth. A 19th-century doctor first described Braxton Hicks contractions. They’re sometimes called “false labor” because they can feel like early labor. Braxton Hicks contractions do not progress into active labor.

Braxton Hicks can start as early as the second trimester. But a lot of people notice them more in the third trimester as the uterus grows. They’re usually painless or only mildly uncomfortable. They can feel like a tightening or squeezing in the abdomen. They tend to be irregular: one might come in 10 minutes, the next in 25, the next in 8. They don’t have a predictable pattern.

These contractions often stop when you rest. They can also ease up when you change position, walk, or drink water. Dehydration can trigger Braxton Hicks. A full bladder can trigger Braxton Hicks. So drinking enough water can sometimes make them happen less often. And peeing can sometimes make them happen less often. They’re a normal part of pregnancy. They don’t indicate a problem on their own.

What Are Real Labor Contractions?

Real labor contractions are uterine contractions that dilate the cervix. Real labor contractions move the baby through the birth canal. Real labor contractions usually follow a clear pattern. They get longer over time. They get stronger over time. They get closer together over time. Unlike Braxton Hicks, they don’t stop when you rest. They don’t stop when you change position. They don’t stop when you hydrate.

Labor contractions typically feel like strong menstrual cramps. They can also feel like a tightening that starts in the lower back or abdomen. The tightening builds to a peak and then eases. Each contraction has a distinct beginning, peak, and end. Between contractions, the uterus relaxes completely. That usually gives you a real break. As labor progresses, the breaks between contractions usually get shorter. The intensity usually increases.

The 5-1-1 rule is a common guideline: when contractions come every 5 minutes, last about 1 minute each, and have continued for at least 1 hour, it is generally time to head to the hospital or call your midwife. Your provider may give you different numbers based on your situation. For more on timing, see our guide on when to go to the hospital for contractions.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Here is how Braxton Hicks and real labor contractions differ across the main factors that matter.

How a Contraction Timer Helps Tell Them Apart

The clearest way to distinguish Braxton Hicks from real labor is to look at the pattern. A contraction timer records the duration of each contraction and the time between them. That data reveals whether you are seeing a pattern or not.

With Braxton Hicks, the timing tends to be all over the place. One contraction might last 45 seconds, and then you might go 12 minutes before the next one. Then the next might last 30 seconds, with 8 minutes until the next. There is no consistent trend. With real labor, you usually start to see a pattern. Contraction durations tend to lengthen (e.g., 30 sec → 45 sec → 60 sec). The intervals between contractions tend to shorten (e.g., 10 min → 7 min → 5 min).

If you're unsure, time contractions for at least an hour. Use our guide on how to track contractions for step-by-step instructions. The Contraction Timer app does this automatically and can alert you when it detects a pattern consistent with active labor. For more on what to expect as labor advances, see the stages of labor.

When Braxton Hicks Become Concerning

Braxton Hicks are usually harmless. But in some cases, you should contact your healthcare provider. If you're before 37 weeks and your contractions become regular and painful, that could be preterm labor. Call your provider, or go to labor and delivery.

Also seek care if you have vaginal bleeding, fluid leakage (possible water breaking), decreased fetal movement, or severe pain that does not ease between contractions. Trust your instincts: if something feels wrong, call. Most providers would rather you call with questions than wait when you're not sure.

What to Do If You Are Unsure

If you cannot tell whether you are experiencing Braxton Hicks or real labor, start by timing. Use a contraction timer or a pen and paper. Record when each contraction starts and ends for at least an hour. So look at the numbers. Are they irregular, or are they forming a pattern?

Try changing positions, taking a walk, resting, or drinking water. If your contractions stop or ease significantly, they're probably Braxton Hicks. If they continue and get stronger regardless of what you do, you may be in labor.

When in doubt, call your healthcare provider or the labor and delivery unit. Describe what you're feeling, and share your timing if you have it. They can help you decide whether to stay home, come in for a check, or head to the hospital. Labor breathing techniques can help you stay calm while you figure it out.

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Limitations

This guide is for informational purposes only. This isn't medical advice. Contraction patterns vary between individuals. Some people have prodromal labor. Prodromal labor contractions are real, but they don't progress for hours or days. Only a healthcare provider can check for cervical change and tell you if you're in active labor.

A contraction timer records what you input; it does not detect contractions automatically or diagnose labor. If you have bleeding, fluid leakage, decreased fetal movement, or severe pain, contact your provider immediately, even if the timer looks normal.