"I think it's starting... or maybe not?" Almost every pregnant woman doubts this at some point, especially with a first child. You feel cramps, tightness, or a nagging sensation and immediately wonder: is this the real deal? And honestly? Sometimes you only know that in hindsight.
However, there are differences between Braxton Hicks contractions and contractions that are truly leading to labor.
What are Braxton Hicks contractions?
Braxton Hicks contractions are actually a kind of practice contraction for your body. Your uterus contracts, but usually without any real dilation occurring. This is important because before your uterus can produce effective contractions, it literally needs to practice. All the cells need to be able to communicate with each other to eventually push your baby out.
So, think of practice contractions as real practice. Practice for yourself, but also for your uterus. And a positive aspect is: they can sometimes help soften and relax the uterus a bit, which is beneficial if labor does progress!
They can:
- irregular coming
- slipping back again
- disappearing after rest, sleep, or a warm shower
- especially being present in the evening
- feeling like menstrual cramps or a hard belly with pressure downwards
Some women hardly experience Braxton Hicks contractions. Others may have them for days or even weeks. And yes... that can be quite confusing and exhausting.
How do "real" contractions usually feel?
With contractions that are leading to labor, you often see more rhythm and buildup.
They:
- coming more regularly
- becoming increasingly stronger
- lasting longer
- following each other more quickly
- usually not slipping back anymore
You often notice that during a contraction, you find it harder to talk or focus on something else. Your body is literally asking for attention.
The biggest clue? Change
The main difference often lies not in what one contraction feels like, but in what happens over time. Braxton Hicks contractions often remain somewhat the same. Real contractions build up. And that's why you can never really know in advance whether they are Braxton Hicks or not. And that's an important insight because many women wonder how to know if these are the 'real' ones. But the only thing you can do to know for sure is to wait!
When do you call your midwife?
This varies depending on the situation, pregnancy, and gestational age, but generally, you call:
- with regular contractions that continue (and thus become stronger)
- when your waters break (during the day! In the evening only if the baby has not descended or the amniotic fluid is green or brown)
- in case of bleeding
- if you feel your baby moving less (yes, you do this!! Don't wait too long to check this)
- or just if you have doubts
It's always okay to doubt. That's what we're here for.
And one more important thing…
Many women think they need to "know for sure" that labor has started. But that's often not how it works. Labor usually begins gradually. With doubt. With messages to your partner. With timer apps that get deleted after an hour. With: "oh, never mind, it’s fading away again." And later again: "hmm... wait a minute..." That’s often just part of it.
Do you want to know more about giving birth? Are you looking for a course that prepares you for both labor and the period afterward? How you, as a mother, get through this period, your relationship, and how to care for your baby? Then check out my offerings. Or just send me a message 😊
