Gas vs Contractions

My guess is you just need to drink more water. This is the #1 reason I would get pain and even contractions with all 5 of my pregnancies. Also doing to much plays a part. I bet since you felt better after having water, that was all you needed.

If it was a consistent pain for longer than 3-5 minutes, then it was probably not a contraction. Contractions come and go, more like an intermittent pattern. But next time it happens (I hope it doesn't!), then feel/palpate your uterus. If it is rock hard all the way around, like a basketball, then you are having a contraction.

C. M., CBE, CLD
Westside Birth Connection

What they said is totally spot on. Also, what they didn't say is that when the real thing hits most of us feel just a little foolish over the previous things we thought could be it. The real thing is so overwhelming.

BUT...a word of caution. There are a whole bunch of us that go from zero to 90 in 60 seconds. I never had early labor. I had nothing then I had everything all 4 times. Then the same thing happened to my grandson and he received terrible medical care and almost died because they were too stupid to listen to me when I warned she would be like me.

You are doing the right thing to drink the water and lay down and pay attention. There is no hard and fast rule that the first time will take a long time.

I agree that (mostly) only time will tell.
I had an *extremely* painful gas bubble when I was pg with my 4th. After delivering 3 babies, I really thought I'd know the difference! After about an hour of the pain coming and going, I finally figured out it wasn't "the real deal" (ahem... and I was grateful that dh was still asleep when I did!), and he stayed put for another 3 weeks.

HI--
For me, contractions never felt like gas pain. The uterus actually gets tight at the top and progressively gets tighter towards the bottom. It can be compared (vaguely) to bad menstrual cramps, but for me it never felt like gas. Also, the whole belly is involved, not just the lower belly. Maybe the baby was just pushing down---that can be uncomfortable. Also, your whole belly will become hard during a contraction. For me, it was pretty clear when I started having real contractions. I know it sucks to hear you'll know it when you feel it, but most likely you will :-)
Good luck and Congrats!
J.

Sounds like Braxton Hicks contractions. Especially since they subsided after rest and water. It would be a good idea to speak with your midwife or OB.

I had several episodes of BH that were far from painless. Being a dehydrated can exacerbate them so drink plenty throughout the day. I also found that rocking on my hands and knees calmed things down.

Hmmm....when you are having a contraction, whether it is a braxton hicks or the real deal, you will feel your abdomen tightening. With gas, you won't feel your uterus and abdomen tightening. There is a difference. It is likely you were having a gas issue, or some other intestinal problem (constipation, for example).

With braxton hicks, you will feel them begin low in the abdomen ~ it is a distinct tightening. I am 35 weeks pregnant and I have begun keeping a record of my contractions since 2 weeks ago because they have been coming so frequently and they are so uncomfortable and at times painful. I have noticed with every contraction I have, I suddenly have an urge to use the bathroom, even though nothing may happen, the urge develops. It's part of pregnancy. Since this is my 4th pregnancy, I am quite aware of the sensations I am feeling and for the most part, I remember what I experienced with each baby. When I was in labor with my first two, the contractions of labor forced me to have several bowel movements throughout the day. I believe this is a normal process to cleanse the body in preparation for birth. IF you are ever overly concerned, please call you OB right away. A little secret somebody shared with me to relieve gas is to get on all fours and lift your butt in the air. The "bubbles" will ultimately rise, making it easier to get out. Hope this helps!

The secret? Trial and error, time, and hot water... lol You start with a list of things (just like you did) that it COULD be and start trying different things to rule it out... Like you said, it subsided... If it was contractions and true labor it would not have until baby was out... And hot water... If you are in labor a tub of hot water will strengthen it... If not, it goes away... The hot water bath relaxes you and either releases the tense muscles or allows them to work more effeciently... With my last 3 babys (I have 4 ages 9,6,3, and 10 months) I spent lots of time in a bath towards the end of the pregnancy and even did a lot of my laboring in a tub... :-) LOVE it!
Other than that there really is no "secret" just listen to your body and keep a watch around just in case you need to time stuff.

It is very hard to tell sometimes. I know when I had my first, that is what I thought it was. And it ended up being contractions and we had her that day but i was full term at the time. I would recommend taking activated charcoal gelcaps if you think it's gas. They help to absorb anything that may be bothering your stomach and are perfectly safe to take. But if you are on any medication then you may need to take them later on and not when you take the meds because they would absorb them as well. But if resting and drinking lots of water helped it may have been contractions. You may be starting to experience the beginning of braxton hicks contractions. They can be painful at times. The main thing you want to worry about is when they become close together and very regular. Like 10-15mins apart.