Braxton Hicks: Your questions answered

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Unless you've been pregnant, you'd be forgiven for never having heard of these harmless but oddly-named contractions. For that reason, they often cause confusion and anxiety among expectant mums. We shed light on what they are, why they happen and how to tell them apart from real labour contractions!

What are Braxton Hicks contractions?

Braxton Hicks contractions are intermittent or irregular contractions of the womb. You can blame their name on Dr Braxton John Hicks who first described them in 1872. Braxton Hicks are often thought of as as warm up exercises for your uterus in preparation for labour so they're definitely a good thing.

What do Braxton Hicks feel like?

As with every aspect of pregnancy, each woman's experience of Braxton Hicks will be different. But in general Braxton Hicks contractions are experienced as a tightening sensation in your abdomen. As your uterus contracts, your abdominal wall tightens for anywhere between a few seconds and a minute. It can feel as if your stomach has hardened into a tight ball. If you put your hand on your bump, you may even be able to feel the muscles contract and release.

Are Braxton Hicks contractions painful?

Generally speaking, Braxton Hicks cause no more than mild discomfort, although for some women the tightening sensation in the tummy is accompanied by a dull ache a bit like period pain. A very few women experience a short, sharp burst of pain. Whateveryour level of discomfort, the sudden feeling of your stomach contracting can sometimes take you by surprise, especially if you're in the middle of something.

When can I expect them?

Braxton Hicks are usually felt after week 20 but you may experience them as early as week 16. If you've already had children you're likely to notice them earlier and the sensation may be more intense. Most women find that as their pregnancy draws to term, their Braxton Hicks contractions become more frequent in number. You might also find that they occur more often during light activity such as housework or carrying shopping. Research has found that it's the change in activity that eases the discomfort, so if you've been exerting yourself it may help to lie down and if you've been resting, try getting up and moving around.

By Harriet Sand