Contractions

You will know when the contractions start because they are different from other pains. Each woman may feel things differently however. With my first child contractions felt like bad menstral cramps. With my second child they felt like a back ache. AF

This was such a huge concern for me to especially once i hit week 42. I was finally induced and still didn't feel anything for a while, but once the meds kicked in I knew exactly what a contraction felt like. Theres really no way to justly describe it. It's like being constipated almost I guess; you're stomach gets all tight. But trust me when they finally come, you'll know its time. Congrats and good luck with everything =)

Congrats on the new little one. My little one is 2 yrs old now. When I had contractions they felt like intense menstral cramps. I didn't realize I was have contractions for about a week prior to deliver until they told me in the hospital after inducing me :)

The muscles of your uterus tighten. It is not anything you can control. Your hormones take care of making it work. What you can control is your fear. Stay calm, don't worry and know that your body knows exactly what it is supposed to do. If you feel you need support through your labor, find a good doula! Husbands have not had the proper training to help with all that may come up in labor. Doulas know lots of tricks and comfort measures to help with the hugs your uterus is giving to your baby while in labor. Call my offfice # anytime ###-###-####. My doulas and I would be happy to help!

A contraction to me feels like you have to go to the bathroom (#2) but cant go. Then you start to get sharp pains. But like I tell all my friends that are expecting you dont know a best friend until you have met Mr. Epadurro ( I think thats how you spell it) :) He takes all the pain away. CONGRADULATIONS ON THE NEW MEMBER OF YOUR FAMILY

Hi D.!
Congrats on the itty biitty on the way. Oh believe me you'll know when you're having contractions!! Not to scare you, but they're like really bad muscle spasms. I know everyone is different, some women have extreme back pain. Mine was all in my belly. Plus your water might break which is definitely a sign that labor is on its way. You'll definitely know if your water breaks because it's just a steady flow of fluid (feels like your wetting yourself only you can't stop it). But it's all part of the big picture when you get to hold that beautiful baby in your arms, you'll forget about all the rest.
Good luck!

Everyone is different, but you will know. My water broke while I was sleeping. I thought I had wet the bed when I woke up! It took an hour before I even started to have any pain. But when it came....whoa! I never had any braxton hicks so I had no clue what to expect. They started as cramp pains and then got stronger. Within an hour they were 2 minutes apart. It is like the kind of leg cramps you are probably getting in the middle of the night only it is your whole body. They will tell you to breath through them...good luck with that! Get the epideral as soon as possible. And don't worry you really do forget the pain when you see what comes out. My baby is 5 months old, and I can't wait to have another. Good luck!

Contractions can vary per person and per child. My first child I was induced. The contractions were stronger becuase of the medicine. They felt like really bad cramping.

My second child I was induced. When I woke up the morning that I was to go into the hospital my hubby asked if I had any pain. I said no, I guess it didn't work. When I got to the hospital they said that I was 3 cm dialated and the contractions were 4m apart. I still didn't feel anything much. Just some light stomach contractions.

My sister-in-law just had a baby. She had back pain for several days and overall crummy feeling and dialated very slowly.

Congrats on the new baby. Trust me you will know what a contraction feels like. It is different for everyone. For me it was an awful pain that causing alot of pressure and makes you feel like you have to have a BM. My sisters contractions caused her back to hurt really bad (back labor). The doctor told me that when I could not walk due to the pain I was in, then I was in true labor, but it is different for everyone so just check with your doctor. Hope I was helpful.

T.
The MOM Team, Helping Moms stay Home
www.cheerforyourfuture.com

let me tell you you'll know when you have one. It feels like very bad menstrual cramps. i think thats the best way to describe them. I have a 2 year old and another on the way, I'm not looking forward to that part but I will tell you when its all over with you won't even remember the pain!! good luck

You will definately know its a contraction and the best way to describe is intense cramps. Good luck!

Hi! I have just had a baby girl six months ago! I don't know how much help I'll be because I was lucky to have my water break before I felt any contractions so I knew exactly when the baby was coming, and I also had the epidural pretty early so I didn't feel much. But the contractions I did feel felt like menstrual cramps in intervals that you can't really think through. They take your breath away, but aren't exactly painful. . . just intense. You will definitely know when you are in labor though and I would recommend the epidural. I had a great day of labor watching tv and playing cards with my mom and husband. They even let me win! Good luck to you and try not to worry. It's only one hard day to get a lifetime of joy!

"What does a contraction feel like?" Well...you know all those period cramps that you HAVEN'T had in 9 months? Imagine all those hitting you at once! That's kinda it.
Believe me, My Dear, you will know...and God Bless!
Now, go watch Bill Cosby's video "Himself" and listen to his description of childbirth..you will laugh so hard you will go into labor!
Blessings!
L. in Virginia

Hi D.--I remember wondering the same thing as my due date neared! I had my first baby last July. I had Braxton-Hicks contractions starting about two weeks before I had the baby. They felt like menstrual cramps only intermittent (rather than constant like cramps) and were pretty regular but were usually seven or ten minutes apart for several hours and then they would stop. When I actually went into labor (a week after my due date) it started off the same way but the contractions continued and eventually got closer together and when they got to be three minutes apart, I knew it was finally the real deal!

It is a really hard sensation to imagine unless you've been through it but it sort of feels like a belt on the inside of your stomach slowly tightening. You may also feel cramping in your back similar to menstral cramps. I'm sure that everyone is slightly different but that's how it was for me. What you see on tv shows where the mom-to-be looks to all of a sudden get a sharp pain out of no where is not at all what it's like. The contraction slowly builds. I know it's hard to relax when you don't know what to expect but when you're relaxed labor is so much easier. Lamaze breathing really helps too. Hope that helps a little!

Oh you will know, trust me! The way I describe them is like menstrual cramps on steroids.

Good luck!!!

D.,
You will know when it comes. It feels like really bad cramps. When I had my daughter I was waiting to feel contractions and once they came everything people told me was true. It feels like bad cramps. You will love being a mommy. When they put that baby on your chest you will love him or her with such a love you've never experienced before. It is really amazing.

Hey, I'll bet you had that baby by now, and have the answer to your question. But, I just had to respond, as a testiment to the fact that everyone is different, and no, maybe you won't know when it happens. I had no idea when I was in labor. My doctor had no idea either -- kept telling me it was false labor and my body was just getting ready for the real deal. My baby was early by 3.5 weeks, and I was just very uncomfortable. The intensity didn't rev up until I was already 4 cm dialated, and thankfully already in the labor room because of a little too much bleeding for my doctor to be completely at ease sending me home. My baby was born three hours later. Both of us did just fine.

I was induced, so I couldn't tell you from personal experience what the actual 'honey, we have to go to the hospital!' moment feels like. I did have a friend who's baby decided to show up early (about 2 months) and she described a feeling of needing to go to the bathroom - with no result. And then again a little later, like constipation. After a few times of these regular feelings she began to wonder and did some quick research online before calling her doctor and going to the hospital and having an emergency c-section. I know that's an extreme case, but I just wanted to point out the fact that it will probably vary a bit from person to person.

I was once told (and have since experienced it and agree)that contractions feel a lot like a belt being tightened around your waist only instead of a normal tightening, it's like going from a size 10 to a size two. The discomfort may first start in your lower back and then radiate around. Don't worry, though-- just when you think you can't possibly stand anymore, it lets up... so you can prepare for the next one. Best of luck to you and your little girl.

I remember not knowing I was in labor, my back just started hurting really bad!

i didn't know either when i had my second son and the nurse said it felt like really bad period cramps. But, the problem with that is i never had cramps before. When, i went in labor i didn't know. My butt was hurting and i felt like i had a big gas bubble that needed to be past. My lower back was hurting or should i say i felt a lot of pressure. Now, with that being said everybody is different and just pay attention to your body because it tells you everything

Congratulations!! I wish I did have some advice for you - however I was one of the lucky ones and never felt them - through the whole thing it never felt like more than just the baby moving - it was not painful or anything for me. I was a first time mom at 36 and had no clue what to expect. Best of luck and Maybe you will be lucky to!

Hi D.,
I have a 16 week old baby girl and that whole thing about forgetting what a contraction feels like is a MYTH. I remember the feeling very well. A true contraction feels like a sharp, almost slicing pain in your stomach. Now I hear it is different for different people, but mine were like really strong and intense period cramps.
Being on the other side I can say that every contraction you have is worth it. I would do it all again in a second. Good luck to you and I wish you a safe and speedy delivery.
Congratulations on your up coming arrival.

you'll know. without a doubt. maybe not in the begining- but once things get moving you will...

LOl, you'll know eventually! They hurt!! My first child, I had no idea either, and they started more like a feeling that I had to use the bathroom. Then since nothing came I figured I was constipated (again) and tried metamucil. Needless to say I was quite embarassed later on when I was pushing.....
Anyway, they do feel different to different people, but it is a dull pain often at first, followed by pain that you can't really talk through. Good luck!

Hi D.:

Unfortunately, contractions feel different for each woman, so there is really no way to let you know what YOU will feel. I can tell you that I did not seem to feel any contractions and was surprised when my water broke (at 12:25am). I didn't really start feeling contractions until around 9am, after I was given pitocin.

As for not knowing when the time comes, here is something my Dr. said to me...

Imagine you're on a trip to the oceanfront for the first time and your friend tells you that you will know you are close when you see the lighthouse. And you wonder, having never been to the ocean, if you will know whether or not you will recognize the lighthouse.

Basically - you know you will because it is SO unique...that's the same for "when the time comes." Trust your body to give you the signals you need!

Good luck and congratulations. There is nothing like motherhood! Get ready to fall in love!

E.

it feels like the worst constipation cramps ever. sorry to be graphic but thats what it was like for me!

Contractions in the beginning are not necessarily painful, which can be confusing. I know a lot of moms may tell you that their contractions were painful from the start, but mine certainly were not. You will notice a tightening of your belly, it will feel solid, as though your stomach had a charlie horse. Other signs you are having a contraction might include a dull ache in your lower back or a feeling like you are having menstrual cramps. No matter what, remember to breathe, time them and don't forget to eat! Bringing life into the world takes a lot of work, and you will need your strength. I hope this has been helpful and best wishes in welcoming your new blessing into the world!

I know this is your first baby. but know one can really tell you how contraction feel it's your tolerance's of discomfort. you can have back contraction, and vaginal. It's about your experience so you can tell someone about child birth

Oh you'll know! :) I didn't think I'd know either! But it feels like your entire stomach tightens up along with gas cramp-like cramps. At least that's what it felt like for me! :) Congratulations! You're very close! I'm 6months preggo with my 2nd! :)
~A.~
www.toffeecreations.net

for me it can feel like abdomial pain. or if you have back labor it feels like someone kicked you in your spine right above your butt. or if you are in eary stages like period cramps. basically if it doesnt go away after drinking water and laying down it's real labor.

My contractions with my first child felt like very, very very, bad menstrual cramps in my back. The second child pretty much no pain. A little cramping in my lower adominal area but nothing that stopped me from watching cartoons in the hospital. I had two friends with their first child had very minimal pain.

You will be okay just if the pain gets to great - Pain Medicine is your best friend.

Congratulations!

Hi D.,

I have only one child and that was without any medication at all so i can't tell you what it will feel like if you choose to have any meds but it basically feels like a menstrual cramp times 10 and as you move into active labor the contractions will increase in pain level. THe contractions are very difficult to deal with but just remember to concentrate on the time in between the contractions. If you spend that time waiting for the next contraction then it will be more difficult. When the contractions end just breath and concentrate on how good you feel at that moment instead of worrying about the next contraction coming. Good Luck!!

Dear D.,

Trust me--you'll know! Abuela

it feels like period cramping and, if you don't get an epidural (spell??) they will get stronger and stronger and HURT MORE THAN ANY PERIOD MADE YOU HURT!!!!
i honestly don't know how or why wmoen go through natural childbrith if they don't have to...or maybe i'm just a wimp???

My best description for contractions is a mild menstrual cramp and then it gets to be a sharp pain at the end. You may not know ( I was not sure what it was) that it is a contraction. But, when it is time to push (I guess unless you have an epideural) you WILL know. Good Luck:)

During your pregnancy you've probably felt your stomach tighten up. That's called a Braxton Hicks contraction. Labor starts out with that same tightening of the stomach and gradually becomes more intense over time. Once you've felt about 4 braxton hicks in a row spaced a few minutes apart, you're probably in labor and they will become more painful.

Good Luck!!

It's been over 12 years since my last one which began during the night and I awoke to full contractions @ 0600 but that was my 3rd baby. First one, my water broke around midnight and the contractions began about 10 minutes later...12 hours later he was born.

My 2nd one began in the later morning hours around 8, with an achy back that wouldn't go away and a tiredness in my upper legs. My lower section of my stomach would tighten with a slight achiness and then subside. I called the OB and told them what I was feeling, since my water broke the first time I had no idea what was going on...she assured me I was in labor and being an hour from the hospital, to call my husband, get a baby sitter and she'd have the Dr meet me once we were there. He was born 12 hours later as well.

All of mine last right @ 12 hours from the very onset of contractions. I had an epidural with the first 2 and the unmedicated with my last...highly recommend unmedicated as long as you are well read with how to handle the contractions especially when they change. One book is by Martha Sears, "The Birth Book". I don't know if it's in print anymore, you may check the library. She will properly prepare you for the birth from every angle.

Good luck!

Hey, im not going to give u great details but I will say that they are similar to cramps but more intense...you'll know when u get them. Trust me! Good luck. I've had 2 babies in the past and knew both times.

I felt a tightness, no crampy feeling. The tightness was all around my womb. You may not feel them at first. Sometimes their isn't any pain at all, just tightness that grows. It's a wonderfully powerful thing God made, and does the job.
Real labor will not stop when you change your activity. When you think you are in labor know that you should sit a home, resting, showering, eating good protein until your contractions are 3 minute apart. The more relaxed you are during the WHOLE process, the faster and easier it is!

Trust me you will know them when you feel them. Good Luck. Remember they are worth it, and you do forget.
L.

hi D. :)

congrats at being at 38 weeks. that is wonderful. i'm no expert but i have had three kids...and I'm a yoga teacher so i tell people to breathe and be in their bodies for a living.

here's what i can tell you from my own experience.. regarding contractions. at first, it just feels like your entire midsection is getting a 'squeeze' -- kind of like the blood pressure arm band when you have your blood pressure taken. it gets tight, and then it goes away. then, they start to get more and more uncomfortable...kind of like gas pains. it gets to the point that you have to stop, wherever you are, and breathe thru them....if you think about the 'nature' of it...it is so if we were 'living in the woods' we would have to 'stop what we are doing and have a child!'

i have to be very honest -- hope you dont mind. before my first, i thought the pain would be vaginal...but the feeling is more abdominal, like the feeling of a very strong cough -- but instead of being a short burst like a cough, it sustains itself. yes, it is uncomfortable in the birth canal too! :) but really the contractions are abdominal...the body is helping baby proceed thru the canal :)

when it does come to that magic time...of delivery -- just keep breathing and remember you will be fine. mental imagery is very helpful...tell yourself that this is a natural process, and be at one with it. visualize you and baby working together on the delivery...instead of it being about you 'pushing' baby out. the body will be more cooperative if you think of it as a process to receive and allow...rather than something to be 'dealt with.' dont be afraid to go inside the pain, and ride it thru....and then on the other side there will be a sense of strength and resolve for both of you. know that you can handle whatever you put your mind to, including this amazing, natural process.

good luck to you on the journey to motherhood -- you will do great! :)

S. -- mom of 3 (12, 11, and 6)

I remember my Mom telling me it is like having a big poop when I asked as a youngster. Actually it is a tightening of your protruding stomach with pain. At first it feels like period cramps then progresses to sharper pain. Each person is different thus your pain may not be as severe. But believe me you will know when the time comes because of the added pain with the tightness. Also it most likely will be at regular time intervals. I hope this helps.

It will feel like your belly turns in to a bowling ball. And then after a few minutes.... it will release. As you get farther along they will go from uncomfortable, to painful.

Your stomach will become really hard and it feels like REALLY bad cramps. You will know. If you are ever questioning if you are having contractions, you can always call labor and delivery at the hospital and they will verify if you are or not... Good Luck and Congratulations! =)

Hi D.,

Hopefully, your contractions will be light. The muscles of your belly tightens and then relaxes. Some women state that it feels like they have to go to have a BM. Of course, the contractions are much stronger. As a new Mom-to-be, the contractions that start and then start are called Braxton-Hicks. These contractions are preparing you for the real contractions that will continue and get stronger with time. Usually, women wait until the contractions are 5 minutes apart before going to the hospital unless there are other signs of difficulty with labor. Good luck. D.

Oh Honey - you'll know. Trust me, you'll know. Good luck to you!

I'll say this- I was so scared that I wouldn't know that I was in labor and what a real contraction felt like...Weeks before my little girl was born I had Braxton Hicks Contractions and well, when the real thing happens you definitely will know it! From what I remember (this was 8 months ago!) I had an aching back and felt surging cramps, like all of a sudden I would have a major cramp (worse then menstrual) and then it would go away just as quickly as it came. Starting watching the clock at this point and if you notice that its occuring every several minutes I would say you are starting labor and should get to the hospital...but of course I would call your doctor and let them know...I went into labor at midnight and even though I felt bad to call so late at night it's what they get paid for so call anytime and let them know your symptoms and they will probably tell you to come on in! Best of luck with your little girl- it is truly the most amazing thing when you become a mom!

My doctor told me its the most pain you will ever feel in your life and I didn't know what hit me when I started to get them, but she was right, its alot of pain and pressure and sometimes you have to feel like you have to go to the bathroom, its like your body tries to clean itself out before you have your lil one. Just alot of pressure, thats the best way I know to describe it!

Hi D.. I have had 2 childbirths with an epidural and one natural childbirth-no pain meds of any kind! Contractions definately feel like cramping that comes and goes which lead up to incredible pain that lasts-which seems like an eternity. I do have to say-if you can handle the contractions, have natural childbirth. Once the baby is out, it's over. No after effects of all the drugs. The contractions are no walk in the park-the best and most efffective thing is to stand up, hold onto the wall and rock left to right. It works wonders.I'd never have another childbirth with an epidural, I nursed the baby and was in the shower within 30 minutes. Good luck to you!!

If you have ever had a very bad monthly with cramps that seem crippling that is how contractions felt to me., but also every female's contractions are different. I am a mother of 2 teenage boys

Wow, you have gotten a lot of responses. I had my first baby 5 months ago. For me contractions felt like the worst gastro-intestinal cramps I have ever felt. I was having minor cramping for a few weeks before I delivered but I thought it was gas! I didn't realize until I was hooked up to the monitor at the hospital that what I was feeling were contracttions. My water broke and then the STRONG contractions started about 10 minutes later. I got an epidural about 45 minutes later! Then I didn't feel a thing : ) Good luck!

When contractions start, they just feel like a minorly upset tummy. They build from there. Usually for several hours, they just feel like menstrual cramps, sometimes bad, but they don't last long (less than 60 seconds and come 15 to 20 minutes apart).

As labor progresses, the contractions get stronger, last longer and come more frequently. While the contractions become quite painful and you should relax and breath through the contractions, in between the contractions, you are usually not in any pain.

You will know the contractions when they come because they will start repeating on a schedule.

There is no rush. Labor takes 17 hours on average for a first time mom. You will catch on well before that.

When you feel the contractions, take it easy and rest up. I slept in the morning my contractions started. I didn't deliver until 22 hours later. Being rested is key.

Hmm....well for me Braxton Hicks were more on my sides...then when my contractions actually started it was lower like where your menstrual cramps are and a lot stronger.

Oh! You will know!!! How to describe it? I would say it is a tightening of your stomach...not very unlike gas pains. With my two children my water broke first before I felt anything and then they slowly started and got more painful as time went on. Best of luck to you...try not to be afraid. You will do fine.

Looks like you've got lot's of responses to your question...just a note that when the baby does come, remember to get good birth time...down to the second if possible for an amazing amount of information available that's now available from the Human Design System, including sleep strategies, proper foods, talents, challenges, etc. (Good birth time is the moment when the baby fully emerges, not when the head shows or when the cord is cut.) It's been the best parenting tool!

Best to you!

It'll feel like the worst cramps you've ever had...and I mean THE WORST. I started having small light contractions around 38 weeks, those I could tolerate, then my water broke at 40 weeks and the contractions that came afterwards were excruciating painful. You'll know when it happens. My sister-in-law told me I would know since I wouldn't be able to talk, I always called her when I had the light contractions. It will be painful so just close your eyes and breath. Congratulations on your soon to come little girl. I have a little girl who is 3 1/2 months and she is an absolute delight.

Well let me tell ya. i always wondered the same thing when i was pg w/ my little man (delivered June 10, 2007) It woke me up at 3am and it felt like cramps, like i had to go to the bathroom b/c of an upset stomach. I thought at first it was the bbq chicken i'd had for dinner, but they continued non stop until i went to the hospital and sure enough i was in labor. Im' sure it's different for every woman though. Hope this helps!

Mine were like the worst menstral cramps ever with a stabbing sensation...hope that helps :)

hi-

to me, it felt like really bad stomach cramps-
the doubling over kind. they start and then gradually go away.

good luck!

Hello D. H...and congratulations on your upcoming new arrival to your family...it's been a while for me since I had my children...(37 years...) but I do remember quite well how contractions go...mostly in the lower part of your back was where mine were...and a lot like pressure pains to that area...some sharp some more like pushing in the lower region of the belly and back...nowadays women practice breathing exercises and walking to relieve some of the pressure and pain...and from what all of my family and friends say...it DEFINITELY helps...

Here's hoping your delivery goes smoothly...practice the breathing and HOPE YOU HAVE A BEAUTIFUL - HEALTHY CHILD...

Y. W

Hello D.

When I was pregnant, and my contractions started they felt like mild menustral cramps. When they started coming constantly they felt like heavy hard cramps. It can get really uncomfortable. I don't mean to scare you, but I figured I would at least tell you the truth.

B.

OMG I remember when they started and it was nothing like I expected. I couldn't breath properly, I didn't understand why it hurt so badly. When you really start reallll contractions it's a pain you've likely never experienced. I've had several surgeries and the recovery for those was nothing like this. You'll know. Seriously you will.

Contractions can feel like really bad cramps. You may not realize it at first, but you will figure it out. Trust your insticts on this one, you'll know what to do. Good Luck!

Heehee...you'll know!
Think menstrual cramp....cramp...cramp...cramp...CRAMP...CRAMP....CRAMP...

Hi D.,

I am so happy for you! Congrats! I am a mother of 3 with one due in August. My first 2 were delivered 100% naturally, but my 3rd required a C-Section. So, as for contractions....At first you may not feel them. They kinda feel like muscle cramps (not painful though). You can feel your stomach (it feels like stomach, but it's actually uterus) tighten. At first it has no pain associated with it. As they get stronger, you will be able to tell better that they are in fact contractions. As they get stronger, it feels like you are having menstrual cramps along with the tightening of your insides. It is a little difficult to describe, as it is something that you just have to go through to understand how it actually feels. All I can say is that when you have them, and they become regular, you'll know it. I cannot wait until I get to go through it again. Some people think I am weird, but I love labor. It's such a wonderful time! I am hoping that this one will be a natural delivery like my first 2. Good Luck and God Bless!

Contractions feels like a sharp pain.... You will know when contractions comes.. Good luck

Hi D. --

This is a question I have had a lot of soon-to-be first time moms ask me. I will tell you what I told them -- if you have to "think" it might be a contraction, it isn't. You will know the real deal. It is (at least it was for me and all the moms I've talked to about this) unmistakable. I know you are so excited about your new baby girl coming soon. You are going to love being a mother.

A. T.

D., I htought the same thing with my first, but after going through all of it...all I can say, is you WILL know when you ar ehaving a contraction. I told them I had a high tolerance for pain and wa farain I may not recognize I am having contractions...little did I know.....trust me you will know. Mine where like menstrual cramps then multiply by 100. and mine started on one side of my power abdomen and ripped to the opposite side. Good luck.
C.

For my first child (almost 3 yrs old), I felt my whole belly tighten and it also felt like I was having mentrual cramps. It was "textbook." I could easily time them and everything. For my daughter (1 mo), they felt like she was just pushing against my pelvic bone, no tightening of the belly. The "pushing" also felt like someone was grabbing onto each side of my pelvic bone and pulling. I couldn't keep track of where it began or ended, and didn't even think they were contractions b/c of how it was with my son. I was nervous, so went to the hospital and that's when I was told those were contractions. Best piece of advice-if you're not sure-go get checked out!