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What do Braxton Hicks contractions feel like and how regular should they be before I go to the hospital?

The signs that labour is imminent and what those practice contractions feel like

ALL eyes were on the Duchess of Cambridge when Kensington Palace announced she had gone into labour with her third baby on the morning of April 23.

But what were the signs she might be going into labour - and what are Braxton Hicks, the "practice contractions"?

As the nation waits for the arrival of the third royal baby, we reveal the signs Kate could be about to go into labour
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As the nation waited for the arrival of the third royal baby - here are the signs of labourCredit: PA:Press Association

What are Braxton Hicks contractions and what do they feel like?

Braxton Hicks - regularly called practice contractions - are perfectly normal during pregnancy.

While you are expecting you might notice your tummy becoming hard and experience period-like cramps, this is what Braxton Hicks are.

But don't worry, they are completely normal and are not a sign you are going into labour.

In fact, they can start around the middle of your pregnancy and many women may not even feel them at all.

They are caused by the tightening of the muscles in the uterus.

It is not clear why they happen, but most doctors believe it is the womb preparing itself for labour.

The cramps may feel similar to the cramps you get when you have your period.

You will also notice your tummy becomes firm when the muscles contract.

Val Willcox, from parenting charity NCT, told The Sun Online: "Usually from about halfway into her pregnancy a woman might start to notice there are times when her bump goes really hard.

They are caused by the tightening if the muscles in the uterus
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They are caused by the tightening if the muscles in the uterusCredit: Getty - Contributor

"We don't really know why it happens, but it is the muscles of the uterus contracting.

"So it might be the muscles of the uterus just keeping themselves ready for the job of labour.

"And later on in pregnancy it might be about the cervix getting ready for labour."

How often do they happen?

Some women may not feel Braxton Hicks but for others they may be uncomfortable
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Some women may not feel Braxton Hicks but for others they may be uncomfortableCredit: Getty - Contributor

How often you experience Braxton Hicks varies from woman to woman.

"They might happen once of twice a day, it can last for up to a minute," Val said.

"It's supposed to be painless but some pregnant women might find that they really notice it.

"The way they differ from the contractions of labour is they don't settle into a pattern, they only happen once or twice a day and a lot of women find if they change what they are doing they ease off.

"So if they are sitting down at work and they notice their bump has gone really hard, they may find getting up and walking around helps it wear off."

When do you need to go to hospital?

You don't need to go to hospital unless your contractions are happening every five or so minutes
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You don't need to go to hospital unless your contractions are happening every five or so minutesCredit: Getty - Contributor

Braxton Hicks are usually nothing to worry about and don't require a hospital visit.

But if you notice they develop a pattern and are happening more regularly, it could be a sign you are in labour.

These are not Braxton Hicks, they are contractions.

THE KEY SIGNS OF EARLY LABOUR

When you are about to go into labour there are a few things you might notice.

These signs can start from up to a week before you actually have your baby.

Here's what to look out for:

  • your producing more vaginal discharge than normal
  • you pass your mucus plug- the clump of mucus your body produces to seal the cervix shut when you're expecting - this is known as the show
  • feeling unusually energetic
  • frequent Braxton Hicks
  • an ache in your lower back

You shouldn't need to go to hospital until you have contractions every five minutes or so.

But if you are worried about anything you should speak to your midwife.

Listen to your body and if anything feels different you should speak to a midwife.

"In antenatal classes I will often recommend waiting until you're having three contractions in 10 minutes before you go to hospital," Val said.

"So that's round about five minutes apart, and they are lasting for about a minute," Val said.

"Then the most important thing is how a woman feels during that contraction.

"If the contraction is not very intense and she feels like she can still carry on what she is doing then she is probably OK to wait at home longer.

"But if the contraction really makes her stop what she is doing, she is having to focus on her breathing to get through that contraction, then that's an indication that her labour is progressing further.

"So it's not just how often and how long they are, it's also about how they are feeling.

"And if you are not sure just give the hospital a ring and speak to a midwife."


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Prince William and Kate Middleton show off their new baby boy on steps of Lindo Wing before leaving hospital
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