When you’re pregnant, noticing contractions before labor starts is common. Contractions are caused by uterine muscles tightening and then relaxing. Your uterus may tighten then calm down in the hours, days or even weeks before labor starts.
These contractions could be early signs of labor or they could stem from dehydration, activity, the baby’s position or your body preparing for labor. They’re sometimes called Braxton-Hicks contractions.
“These contractions don't cause your cervix to dilate and they go away with rest, changing positions and hydration,” said Katharine Heffernan, RN, a women and infant services patient and family educator with Banner - University Medicine.
Contractions that start and stop don’t usually mean that something is wrong. But they can be frustrating, especially if they bother you.
Is it false labor, early labor or prodromal labor?
Telling the difference can be confusing because these terms overlap and are used differently by care providers.
- False labor: Usually means contractions do not become steady, stronger and closer together. They don’t open the cervix. They might go away with time, rest and hydration.
- Early labor: Labor can start slowly. You may notice contractions come and go irregularly at first but, over time, contractions get stronger and closer together, happening every five to 20 minutes and lasting 40 to 60 seconds. You may notice bloody show, which looks like a pink or brown mucus discharge. Your cervix dilates slowly from zero to six centimeters in early labor.
- Prodromal labor: Contractions that are frequent and painful. They can feel like labor contractions but they don’t change the cervix or lead to active labor right away.
The most important factor in determining if you are in labor is whether contractions are changing the cervix.
“It might be hard to tell if labor is false or not and it is always a good idea to contact your provider or go to OB triage at the hospital if you aren't sure,” Heffernan said. “If you are less than 37 weeks pregnant and feeling four or more contractions in an hour, or any other signs of labor like leaking fluid or vaginal bleeding, you should contact your provider and go to OB triage to be checked for preterm labor.”
How contractions that start and stop may feel
With contractions that start and stop, you may notice:
- Tightening across your belly
- Menstrual-like cramps
- Low back pressure or mild discomfort
- Pelvic pressure
- Contractions that come every few minutes for a while, then space out
- Contractions that lessen or stop with rest, hydration, a warm shower or position changes
- Contractions that are uncomfortable but don’t build into a consistent pattern
How to track contractions
- Note the time from the start of one contraction to the start of the next. You may want to use a free contraction timing app.
- Track how long each contraction lasts.
- Pay attention to whether they are getting stronger, longer and closer together.
- See if they continue if you rest, drink water or change your position.
- Track other symptoms, such as fluid leaking, bleeding, your baby’s movement or pressure.
- Follow the timing instructions from your OBGYN or midwife.
What may help if contractions stop and start
- Drink water
- Eat a light snack unless your care team has told you not to
- Empty your bladder
- Change positions
- Rest if you have been active
- Walk or move gently if you have been resting, as long as your provider says it is safe
- Take a warm shower or bath
- Use breathing or relaxation techniques
- Try to rest if contractions slow down
These steps are only for mild, irregular contractions without warning signs (below). They are not a substitute for calling your care team if you are not sure.
When contractions may mean labor is progressing
As you move into true labor:
- Contractions become regular and feel like strong cramps
- They get stronger, longer and closer together even when you rest, drink water or change positions
- There may be bloody show or mucus plug changes
- Your water may break
It may be time to go to the hospital when your contractions are every five minutes, each lasting for one minute, for one hour. Your care team may give you a different timing rule for when to go in.
When to call your provider or go in
Call your OBGYN, midwife or labor and delivery team if:
- You are less than 37 weeks and having contractions
- Contractions become regular, stronger and closer together
- Your water breaks or you have fluid leaking
- You have vaginal bleeding
- Your baby is moving less than usual
- You have severe pain or constant abdominal pain
- You have fever, chills, severe headache, vision changes or sudden swelling
- You feel dizzy, faint or very unwell
- You have pain under your ribs on the right side
- You have been told you are high risk
- You are unsure whether to stay home or go in
- You’re concerned for yourself or your baby
Get emergency care for warning signs like heavy bleeding, severe pain, trouble breathing, fainting, seizure, signs of stroke or if you feel something is seriously wrong.
What may happen if you go in to be checked
The team may ask you about your symptoms, timing, pregnancy history and the baby’s movement. They may check:
- Your contraction pattern and the baby’s heart rate
- Whether your water has broken
- Your cervix for dilation and thinning
They may send you home if labor is not yet active and you and your baby are doing well. They should tell you what to watch for and when to return.
“If you are sent home because you are not in labor, try not to be discouraged! Consider it a practice run. You will likely feel more relaxed and be able to rest at home so that you have energy when labor does start,” Heffernan said.
Bottom line
Contractions that start and stop are common in late pregnancy and may be part of false labor, Braxton Hicks contractions or early labor. Call your provider, labor and delivery team or a Banner Health maternity provider if contractions happen before 37 weeks, come with fluid leaking, bleeding, less movement from the baby, severe pain or if you are not sure what to do. A provider can help you understand what to watch for and when to come in.
FAQs on contractions that start and stop
Is it normal for contractions to start and stop?
Yes, contractions can start and stop in late pregnancy. This may happen with false labor, Braxton Hicks contractions or early labor that has not become active labor yet.
Can real labor contractions stop?
Early labor contractions can slow down or occasionally stop. Active labor contractions usually last 45 to 60 seconds and are stronger and closer together, as close as every two to four minutes.
How do I know if contractions are real labor?
Contractions are more likely to be labor if they get stronger, last longer, come closer together and do not ease with rest, hydration or position changes.
Should I go to the hospital if my contractions stopped?
Not always. If contractions stop and you have no warning signs, your care team may advise you to rest at home. Call if you are unsure or have concerning symptoms.
When should I call for contractions before 37 weeks?
Call your provider or labor and delivery team right away if you are less than 37 weeks and having contractions, cramping, pelvic pressure, back pain, fluid leaking or bleeding.
What if contractions start at night and stop by morning?
That can happen in late pregnancy. Track the pattern and call your provider if contractions return regularly, become stronger or come with warning signs.
Other useful articles
- Understanding Fetal Movement in the Third Trimester
- Tips for Staying Active in Your Third Trimester
- Pelvic Health During and After Pregnancy: What’s Normal and What’s Not
Additional resources
- Your Guide to Pregnancy, Birth and Parenting by Banner Health (English and Spanish)
- Banner Health classes on childbirth, breastfeeding and baby care
