Braxton Hicks vs real contractions: how to tell

Short answer: Braxton Hicks (practice) contractions are usually irregular, don't get closer together, and often ease when you rest, drink water or change position. Labor contractions get longer, stronger and closer over time and don't go away. Timing them for an hour is the simplest way to see the difference.

1. The pattern

Practice contractions come and go at random — 8 minutes, then 20, then 5. Labor contractions settle into a rhythm that shortens: 10, 8, 7, 6, 5 minutes apart.

2. Strength and length

Labor contractions build: each one tends to last longer and feel stronger than the last. Braxton Hicks usually stay about the same.

3. What changes them

Resting, a warm shower, drinking water or walking often stop practice contractions. Labor contractions continue whatever you do.

4. Time it for an hour

Write down when each contraction starts and ends for an hour. If the time apart is shrinking and the length growing, call your hospital or midwife with those numbers. Call right away for any warning sign — water breaking, bleeding, less movement, or if it is before 37 weeks.

How Arrivelle helps

One tap at the start and end of each contraction. Arrivelle shows every contraction with its length and time apart, plus last-hour averages, so you can see if the pattern is settling — and share the list with your partner or midwife as text.

This guide is general information, not medical advice. When to call or go in is decided with your hospital or midwife — and if something feels wrong, contact them right away.

FAQ

Can an app tell me if it's real labor?

No. A timer can show you the pattern, but only your care team can assess labor. Use the numbers when you call them.

Can Braxton Hicks be painful?

They can be uncomfortable or even strong, especially late in pregnancy. Pain alone doesn't tell them apart — the pattern over time does.

When should I call even if I think it's Braxton Hicks?

Before 37 weeks with regular contractions, or if your water breaks, you bleed, the baby moves less, or you feel unwell.

← See Arrivelle: contraction timer and hospital bag checklist