Braxton Hicks vs. True Labour: How to Know It's the Real Deal

Jenna Speir
Feb 1, 2025
3 min read

Updated: May 10, 2025

Ah, Braxton Hicks. The practice contractions that are both helpful (thanks, uterus!) and, let’s be honest, super annoying. They’re like the dress rehearsal for labour, except no one gave you a script or told you when the show actually starts.

If you’ve ever found yourself Googling “Am I in labour or nah?” at 2 a.m., you’re not alone. Let’s break it down together—because you’ve got better things to do than stress over every twinge.

Braxton Hicks: The Overachieving Warm-Up

Here’s the deal with Braxton Hicks: They’re your body’s way of prepping for the big day. Think of them as your uterus doing some light stretching. Cute, right?

Here’s how to spot them:

They’re irregular. These contractions are like that friend who always cancels plans last minute—totally unreliable.
They’re not getting stronger. Braxton Hicks might make you pause, but they’re not intense. If you’re able to laugh or carry on a conversation, that’s your clue.
They go away. Change positions, drink water, or take a nap, and voilà—gone.

True Labour: The Real MVP

When the big day finally arrives, true labour contractions will make themselves very clear. They’re consistent, powerful, and don’t care if you’ve got plans.

Signs it’s the real deal:

They’re regular and close together. Like clockwork. You can’t ignore them because they keep coming.
They’re getting stronger. With each contraction, you’re like, “Oh, okay, this is happening.”
They don’t stop. No amount of water, movement, or wishful thinking is going to make them go away.

Remember the 5-1-1 rule: contractions are 5 minutes apart, lasting 1 minute, and have been happening for 1 hour. That’s when you should call your doula (hi, that’s me!) and start thinking about your next steps.

When in Doubt, Call Me

Here’s the thing: You don’t have to figure this out alone. If you’re wondering whether it’s Braxton Hicks or true labour, CALL ME. Text me. Whatever works.

Even if it’s a false alarm, I’d rather you reach out than stress about it on your own. I’ll come whenever you want me there—whether it’s right at the 5-1-1 mark or when you feel like you just need an extra set of hands and a calm presence.

Let's Get Real: Some Humour for the Road

Braxton Hicks and true labour are like those memes about the “evil twin” vs. “the good twin.” One’s all bark, no bite. The other? Oh, she’s here to stay.

Here’s a quick cheat sheet:

Braxton Hicks: The “I’m just kidding” contractions.
True Labour: The “Get your hospital bag and call your doula” contractions.

Got it? Good.

What I Bring to the Table (and to Your Labour)

If you’re still unsure what to expect, I’ve got you covered with:

A hospital bag checklist (that includes genius room setup ideas).
Real-time support when you’re figuring out what’s happening.
A judgment-free zone because labour is messy, unpredictable, and 100% unique to you.

Remember, there’s no such thing as a silly question when it comes to labour. You’re allowed to feel uncertain, excited, nervous, or all of the above. I’ll meet you where you’re at and help guide you through it.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re dealing with Braxton Hicks or true labour, one thing’s for sure: your body is incredible. It knows what it’s doing, even when you’re unsure.

So take a deep breath, drink some water, and call me if you’re ever in doubt. We’ll figure it out together—and before you know it, you’ll be holding your sweet baby in your arms.