Braxton Hicks contractions are "practice contractions" that make your abdomen feel tight. They are usually short, irregular, and do not get stronger over time, while true labour contractions become longer, stronger, and more frequent. Contact your doctor or the labour and delivery unit if contractions become regular every 5 minutes or less, if amniotic fluid or blood leaks, if your baby's movements decrease, or if you think you are in labour before 37 weeks. [1]
What are Braxton Hicks contractions, and are they normal?
Braxton Hicks contractions are intermittent tightening of the uterine muscles that doctors call "practice contractions." You may notice them, especially in late pregnancy [1]. They can be uncomfortable, but they are usually not painful [1].
These contractions are characterised by not lasting long, not occurring often, and not increasing in intensity over time [1]. In other words, they do not turn into a regular pattern that comes closer together and grows stronger. This is the key difference between them and true labour.
Also keep in mind that labour usually begins between weeks 37 and 42, and that a full-term pregnancy means 40 weeks [2]. Therefore, any contractions that seem regular before week 37 warrant a call to your doctor, and they should not automatically be interpreted as "practice."
How do you tell Braxton Hicks contractions apart from true labour?
The easiest way is to monitor the pattern of your contractions, not just their intensity. The following table summarises the main differences as described by medical sources.
| Comparison | Braxton Hicks contractions | True labour |
|---|---|---|
| Sensation | Tightening that may be uncomfortable but is usually not painful [1] | Pain increases during the contraction and may resemble severe menstrual cramps [1] |
| Duration | Relatively short [1] | Becomes longer as labour progresses [1] |
| Frequency | Not recurring regularly [1] | Becomes closer together and more regular [1] |
| Change over time | Does not get stronger [1] | Gradually becomes stronger [1] |
| Accompanying signs | Usually not accompanied by other labour signs | May be accompanied by the "bloody show" (mucus plug discharge), lower back pain, or leaking of amniotic fluid [1] |
During a true contraction, the uterus tightens and then relaxes. If you place your hand on your abdomen, you will feel it become firmer during the contraction, and then the firmness eases and the pain subsides once it ends [1]. For a brief answer to this question, you can also read the difference between Braxton Hicks contractions and true labour.
How do you time Braxton Hicks contractions and labour contractions?
Timing gives your doctor a clearer picture than a description of "severe pain" alone. Try the following steps when you first notice contractions you are unsure about:
- Record the start time of each contraction on paper or in your phone.
- Record how long each contraction lasts, from its start to its end.
- Calculate the interval between the start of one contraction and the start of the next.
- Notice whether the contractions are becoming longer, stronger, and closer together over time.
UK guidance (NHS) advises contacting the midwife or labour and delivery unit if contractions are regular and come every 5 minutes or less [1]. The situation is considered urgent if any contraction lasts longer than two minutes, or if 6 or more contractions occur within 10 minutes [1].
Your doctor may give you a different rule depending on your circumstances, such as a previous birth or how far your home is from the hospital. Ask about it at a follow-up visit before your due date, and write the answer down somewhere clearly visible.
The latent phase: it can last hours or days
The start of labour is called the "latent phase," during which the cervix softens and thins and begins to open. This can take hours and sometimes days [1]. You will usually be advised to stay at home during this phase, and if you go to the hospital, staff may suggest that you return home [1]. This does not mean you were overly anxious; the decision depends on your examination and your condition.
What other signs accompany the start of labour?
Contractions are not the only sign. Among the signs mentioned by medical sources are [1]:
- Cramps or tightening in the abdomen.
- Passing of the "bloody show" (mucus plug discharge).
- Pain in the lower back.
- The urge to use the toilet due to pressure of the baby's head on the intestines.
- Leaking of amniotic fluid.
MedlinePlus also lists possible signs such as mild, persistent lower back pain, abdominal cramping, and leaking of fluid or bleeding from the vagina [2].
The bloody show (mucus plug discharge)
During pregnancy, a mucus plug seals the cervix, and this plug is expelled before or at the start of labour. It is a jelly-like, sticky substance that is pink in colour because it contains a small amount of blood [1]. Its passage indicates that the cervix has begun to open, and labour may follow quickly or after several days. Sometimes it is not passed at all [1]. However, if bleeding is heavier than this small amount, it may indicate a problem, and you should contact the hospital or your doctor immediately [1].
Leaking of amniotic fluid
You may feel slow drips or a sudden gush that you cannot control [1]. Amniotic fluid is clear and pale, but it can sometimes be difficult to distinguish from urine, and it may be slightly blood-tinged at first [1]. Use a sanitary pad, not a tampon, so that the midwife or doctor can examine the colour of the fluid [1].
Tell your doctor immediately if the fluid has a foul odour or an abnormal colour, or if it is accompanied by bleeding, as this may mean that you and your baby need urgent care [1].
When should you go to the hospital?
Contact your doctor or the labour and delivery unit immediately, even if it is midnight, and do not wait until morning, if any of the following occurs [1]:
- Amniotic fluid has leaked.
- Vaginal bleeding has occurred.
- Your baby's movements have decreased from usual.
- You are under 37 weeks and think you may be in labour.
- Any contraction has lasted longer than two minutes.
- 6 or more contractions have occurred within 10 minutes.
MedlinePlus advises contacting your healthcare provider when any sign of labour appears, even if your due date has not yet arrived [2].
When to call 911
If you feel that the baby is coming now, with a strong urge to push, this is an emergency that requires calling an ambulance [1]. In Jordan, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department, and do not try to endure the pain at home.
What if your water breaks but labour does not start?
Labour usually starts within 24 hours of the water breaking. If it does not, you will usually be offered induction of labour, because the absence of amniotic fluid slightly increases the risk of infection for the baby [1].
If your doctor advises you to wait, tell them immediately if your baby's movements decrease or if the colour or odour of any fluid passing from the vagina changes [1]. The guidance also recommends measuring your temperature every 4 hours while awake and informing your doctor if it rises. A raised temperature generally means above 37.5°C, but you may need to call before that point, so ask your doctor [1]. There is no evidence that bathing increases the risk of infection after the water breaks, whereas sexual intercourse may increase it [1].
What if you feel contractions before week 37?
Preterm labour is labour that begins before 37 weeks of pregnancy are complete. It may lead to premature birth, and premature infants may face serious health risks [3]. Therefore, do not assume that what you are feeling is only "practice" if you are before this week.
Symptoms of preterm labour include [3]:
- Contractions every 10 minutes or less.
- Leaking of fluid or bleeding from the vagina.
- A feeling of pressure in the pelvis.
- Mild, persistent pain in the lower back.
- Cramps resembling menstrual cramps.
- Abdominal cramps with or without diarrhoea.
If you think you may be experiencing preterm labour, contact your healthcare provider [3], and do not wait to see whether the symptoms settle. For more detail, read our article on early labour signs: cramps and pressure before week 37.
What should you do at home when labour begins?
If your doctor or midwife has reassured you that staying at home is appropriate at this stage, you can do the following [1]:
- Walk or move around if you wish.
- Drink fluids; an isotonic sports drink may help you stay energised.
- Eat a light snack if you feel like it.
- Practise the relaxation and breathing exercises you have learned, and your companion can join you in them.
- Massage your back with your companion's hand to relieve pain.
- Take a warm bath.
The sources state that paracetamol is safe during labour if used according to the instructions on the package [1]. Nevertheless, consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking any medication, especially if you are taking other medicines, and do not change any prescription on your own.
MedlinePlus notes that pain relief options include medications that reduce pain without stopping it completely, and natural methods such as relaxation, a birthing ball, massage, a bath or shower, or a combination of these [2]. Discuss these options with your doctor before your due date, not in the moment of pain.
What happens when you arrive at the hospital?
Labour passes through three stages [2]:
- The first stage begins with contractions and may last hours or days, until the cervix becomes soft and open enough for the baby to pass.
- The second stage begins with pushing downward until the baby is born.
- The third stage is the delivery of the placenta and the cutting of the umbilical cord.
The mother and baby are closely monitored during birth. Delivery may be vaginal through the birth canal (normal delivery), or surgical by caesarean section if complications are present [2]. If anxiety about pain is on your mind, see the answer to Is a caesarean delivery painful?. Labour may also be induced with medications or other methods, usually when the due date has passed or when there is a problem that threatens the health of the mother or baby [2].
After birth, a new chapter begins. Learn about newborn care services, about how long the postpartum period lasts, and about the difference between postpartum depression and baby blues, since early preparation reduces stress.
How do you find a doctor for follow-up care in Jordan?
The best time to agree on a "labour plan" is during follow-up visits, not when contractions begin. Start by browsing obstetrics and gynaecology doctors in Jordan, then narrow your search by the governorate where you live or where you prefer to give birth, such as Amman, Irbid, Zarqa, or Balqa.
When reading a doctor's or clinic's profile, check the following:
- That the specialty is obstetrics and gynaecology.
- The clinic's location and ease of access, and its distance from the hospital where you plan to give birth.
- The contact or booking options the profile provides.
- Working hours and the information the doctor provides about their experience.
The directory presents information and does not evaluate medical quality or rank doctors, so rely on what you observe: how clearly they explain things and how comfortable you feel in the conversation. Useful questions to ask at the visit include:
- What pattern of Braxton Hicks contractions is not a cause for concern in my case, and what pattern should prompt me to call you?
- How can I reach you or your team at night or on holidays?
- At which hospital will I deliver my baby, and where should I go if labour starts early?
- What should I do if my water breaks and contractions do not start?
- What pain relief options are available, and what are their risks and benefits?
Mother and child health centres run by the Ministry of Health exist in the governorates of the Kingdom, and you can ask them about pregnancy follow-up. In any emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
This article is for health education and does not replace examination and assessment of your condition by a doctor.Frequently asked questions
Are Braxton Hicks contractions dangerous for the baby?
They are usually normal practice contractions in late pregnancy. They are short, do not recur often, and do not get stronger. The most important thing is to monitor their pattern. If they become regular, stronger, and closer together, or if they are accompanied by bleeding, leaking of fluid, or reduced baby movements, contact your doctor or go to the hospital.
How far apart should contractions be before I go to the hospital?
UK guidance advises contacting the labour and delivery unit if contractions are regular and come every 5 minutes or less. However, your doctor may give you a different rule based on your situation and how far your home is from the hospital, so ask them about it at a follow-up visit before your due date.
What should I do if my water breaks but contractions have not started?
Contact your doctor or the labour and delivery unit immediately, and use a sanitary pad rather than a tampon so they can examine the colour of the fluid. Labour usually begins within 24 hours. If it does not, you may be offered induction of labour to reduce the risk of infection.
Can contractions before week 37 be Braxton Hicks?
They might be, but this should not be assumed without an examination. If regular contractions, pelvic pressure, lower back pain, fluid leaking, or bleeding appear before week 37, contact your doctor immediately, because preterm labour can lead to premature birth.
What is the difference between the bloody show (mucus plug discharge) and bleeding?
The bloody show is a jelly-like, pink, sticky discharge containing a small amount of blood. It is the cervical mucus plug that passes near the start of labour. Bleeding heavier than this small amount may indicate a problem and requires immediate contact with your doctor or the hospital.
When should I call 911 instead of driving myself?
Call 911 if you feel the baby is coming now and have a strong urge to push, or if the situation is an emergency and you cannot safely reach the hospital. For bleeding, leaking of amniotic fluid, or reduced movement, contact your doctor immediately and go to the emergency department.
Sources and references
- Signs that labour has begun — NHS (UK National Health Service). Accessed: 2026-10-26.
- Childbirth | Stages of Labor | Effacement — MedlinePlus — U.S. National Library of Medicine. Accessed: 2026-10-26.
- Preterm Labor | Signs of Preterm Labor — MedlinePlus — U.S. National Library of Medicine. Accessed: 2026-10-26.