It's been almost 12 years- what are contractions actually like?

lisamright

Today I'm 32+1, and for the past week I've had weird tightening of my lower abdomen and pains that are enough to bring me to pause while walking. Today for the past two to three hours I've had consistent abdominal tightening that is not painful but is consistent. Since it isn't painful, merely uncomfortable, I am questioning if this is just growing pains or something different.. I've never gone into labor on my own as I was induced with both my other children. I am 35, so is it possible I may be in premature labor? I'm quite worried because my husband is currently several states away for work and will need no less than 12 hrs to pack and get on a plane to rush home and I don't want to cause that unnecessarily. 

00kim00

I'm a FTM, so I don't have the answer, but what you're describing sounds like Braxton Hicks. Try changing positions (if you're standing or walking, sit or lay down, or the oppositeb if they happen while sitting), putting your feet up, making sure you're hydrated. If any if that stops it, it's Braxton Hicks. Definitely drink lots of water- I recently did my hospital's birth course, and they said the #1 reason that women come in thinking they're in labor is dehydration. 

From what I've been told, real contractions increase in intensity, are regular, you cannot get them to stop by drinking or changing positions, and make it difficult to walk or talk. Another thing my hospital said is if you're able to call them to talk normally about what's going on, it's probably not real contractions- in those cases, either the partner is calling or it's clear from your difficulty talking that something's going on.

But again, I'm a FTM with no firsthand experience, so someone else may have a better answer. You can always call your doctor/hospital to ask. Some will have you come in to be evaluated and they can check your cervix etc. to get a better idea what's going on.

lisamright

I am pretty sure you're correct, and I have an appointment tomorrow with the midwife. I'll be sure to talk to them then since they aren't getting any worse at this point. Thank you

meggyme

If they are at all regular call your doctor ASAP. Honestly if you have any question about whether you’re in preterm labor call your doctor.