Hi elizabethfromnewtownards,
With your AirPods disconnecting and reconnecting, make sure that your paired device is running the latest software and are fully charged. If You do not frequently pair with updated iOS device, try pairing with a different device to see if the behavior continues.
You can also reset your AirPods.
Put your AirPods in their charging case, and close the lid.
Wait 30 seconds.
Open the lid of your charging case.
On your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, go to Settings > Bluetooth and tap the More Info button
next to your AirPods. (If you don't see your AirPods in Settings > Bluetooth, just go to the next step.)
Tap Forget This Device, and tap again to confirm.
With the lid open, press and hold the setup button on the back of the case for about 15 seconds, until the status light flashes amber, then white.*
Reconnect your AirPods: With your AirPods in their charging case and the lid open, place your AirPods close to your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch. Follow the steps on your device's screen.
These steps can be found in How to reset your AirPods and AirPods Pro.
Regards.