help! what do contractions feel like?

sarahjared

I never felt them with DD (induced and had epi early).  I have had some weird cramps and other issues in the past day or 2 with this one so I just want to double check things.  Would I feel it all over?  just one side?  back? stomach?  is it like period cramps or obviously something different?

cokt

Braxton Hicks contractions are just a tightning of the uterus where it will just get really hard and then go away gradually. Real contractions are like waves, they start out and then have a peak in intensity and then subside. If you are feeling anything in waves like that, time them and see if they are coming at regular intervals.

hikerbeth

I didn't go into labor with my first either.

Basically, if you have to ask, it's not the real thing

sarahjared

I don't think I am having them now.  Maybe braxton hicks but I just wanted to know what they feel like so I don't make an idiot of myself calling the dr.  Do they come on suddenly? 

britanyd

hikerbeth:

Basically, if you have to ask, it's not the real thing

MIL said this to me as I was questioning my labor with #1 and I nearly slapped her across the face.  I have always had bad period cramps, and to me, labor was not NEARLY as bad.  With #2, I got to the hospital convinced they would send me home without checking me, so I lied about my pain and told them it was a 7 instead of the 3 it actually was.  Turned out I was 8 cm along.

 That said... they felt like period cramps to me.  Nothing more than that.  Just annoying, and totally bearable.

Hooray2005

This thread is proof that each person experiences labor differently!

I knew I was in labor when I couldn't talk through what felt like a contraction (massive tightening in my entire pelvic/back area)... and that feeling started becoming more intense, more frequent, and occurring at regular intervals like clockwork.  I had back labor (baby was sunny side up so facing the wrong way and pressing against my spine - ouch!), so by the time I left for the hospital, I could not walk down the stairs and was begging for an epidural (whoot!)  Once at the hospital and in a wheelchair being wheeled to L&D, DH had to physically stop pushing the wheelchair during contractions b/c of their intensity - certainly weren't just "period cramps"

KoriBrett

Braxton Hicks are just your stomach area feeling tight/tingly/weird. ?Contractions are usually more like period cramps & tend to be the stomach and wrap around to the back, too. ?More of an undulating type thig. ?They usually start ok, get terrible, then fade out. ?BH are kind of sudden, then gone.

sarahjared

Did anyone still feel baby moving a lot when having contractions?  Sorry for all the questions. I'm worried that something is going on and it is too early.  Went to dr yesterday for pain in tailbone (apparently a sign of back labor).  She did internal and said cervix was still closed. Lots of pressure down there and then these cramps=me worrying.  I just don't want to call and look like an idiot since I was just there yesterday.