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Braxton Hicks or Early Labour? How to Tell the Difference with Confidence
- Randa
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
As your due date approaches, every twinge, tightening, or cramp can send your mind racing - Is this it? Is my baby on the way?
If you're feeling those familiar waves of tightening across your bump, it might be what many call "practice contractions "also known as Braxton Hicks. Understanding the difference between these and early labour can offer huge relief, reduce anxiety, and help you feel more in control of your birth experience.
Let’s walk through this together, gently and supportively.
What Are Braxton Hicks Contractions?
Think of Braxton Hicks as your body’s warm-up. These are non-labour contractions that begin as early as the second trimester but are often more noticeable in the third. They don’t lead to cervical dilation or the onset of labour, but they do serve a purpose.
They help your uterus tone, stretch, and strengthen in preparation for the real work of labour. Just like any physical event, your body needs a little rehearsal and that’s exactly what these contractions are.
How Do Braxton Hicks Feel?
Everyone experiences them slightly differently, but here’s what’s typical:
They are irregular and don’t follow a consistent pattern.
Often felt in the front of the bump, not the lower back.
They tend to be painless or only mildly uncomfortable, more of a tightening than a cramping.
They usually go away with a change of position, rest, or hydration.
They often occur later in the day or after activity like walking or cleaning.
You might notice them more after a full day on your feet, after intimacy, or when baby is active. They’re your body's way of saying, You’re preparing. You’re doing just fine.
What Signals Early Labour?
Unlike Braxton Hicks, true labour contractions have a job to do, they actively open the cervix and help baby move down.
Signs of early or latent labour include:
Contractions become regular, rhythmic, and gradually intensify. You’ll start to notice a pattern: every 10 minutes, then every 7, then 5...
The sensation starts in the lower back and may radiate around to the front.
You may experience other signs like:
A show or loss of your mucus plug
Loose stools or an upset tummy
A dull, persistent backache
Your waters breaking
And unlike Braxton Hicks, they don’t go away with rest or water. You may also find that you can’t talk through them comfortably.
If you’re unsure trust your instincts and reach out to your midwife or doula. No question is ever too small when it comes to your wellbeing.
What Can Help Right Now?
Whether you’re managing Braxton Hicks or the beginning of labour, finding calm is key. At Blume, I’ve created gentle, supportive tools to guide you through:
💿 Birth Prep Audio Collection
A set of 4 soothing audio tracks with breathing techniques and visualisations to help you stay grounded and relaxed during both practice contractions and early labour. Listen in the bath, while resting, or even during a walk. Grab the collection here.
🖼️ Birthing Positions Poster Pack
Packed with beautifully illustrated positions to encourage comfort and progress, print them at home or tuck them into your hospital bag.
These gentle movements and upright postures can help shift baby, ease pressure, and make you feel more in control of your birthing body. Get the instant download poster pack here.
Want It All in One Place?
Explore the Blume Birth Bundle - a 45+ page collection of supportive, printable tools to guide your pregnancy and birth journey. It’s only £9.99 and includes:
💗 Birth Affirmations to anchor your mind
📝 Birth Plan Template & Guide
🎒 Hospital Bag Checklist
🔄 Birthing Positions Pack
🌿 Pregnancy Wellbeing Essentials
Each resource is designed with care and connection in mind, created by me, a birth coach, doula, and mama, to help you feel held and prepared.
Remember, You’re Not Alone
It’s completely normal to feel unsure or anxious as the signs of labour begin. But every sensation is a reminder that your body knows what to do. Whether you’re in week 30 or 40, this is your journey, and you’re doing beautifully.
With calm, care and belief in your body,
Have questions or want to share your experience?
💬 We'd love to hear from you!
Send us a message or DM on Instagram @blumewellness — we’re always here to support you.
With calm, care and belief in your body,
Randa
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