Birth

How to know it’s really labour

4 min read · MyBloomingBelly editorial

Braxton Hicks (practice contractions) are irregular, usually painless tightenings that ease when you move, rest or hydrate. True labour contractions get longer, stronger and closer together — and keep coming no matter what you do.

A widely used guide is 5-1-1: contractions every 5 minutes, lasting 1 minute each, for at least 1 hour. For first babies, this is often when hospitals suggest coming in — but always follow your own doctor’s instructions.