waves of pain, but no tightness?

bargar18

i keep getting waves of pain/cramps, but no tightness in my belly...is that still a contraction?  ug...this is frustrating

xoxpipahxox

I'm curious as to the answer as well.  I've been experiencing cramping all day after losing my mucous plug/having bloody show this morning.  I do get some obvious contractions once in a while, but it's typically when I stand from sitting/laying.

So confusing..

laurahastings

I just posted "what the heck does a contraction feel like?"  I'm in the same boat.  I'm so confused... haha.

shannonimburgia

nope a contraction is def tightning of the stomache, yet with menstral like pains. These waves of pain can be your uterus preparing for labor. Also baby can still move during a contraction so keep that in mind:)

Pinaysis86

shannonimburgia:

nope a contraction is def tightning of the stomache, yet with menstral like pains. These waves of pain can be your uterus preparing for labor. Also baby can still move during a contraction so keep that in mind:)

Not necessarily on the stomach tightening part. I found out from my Doc that I was having contractions, but only felt pain on my right side. My stomach never tightened during any of them. They do now do to BH, but when I have an actual contraction (now that I know what they feel like) my stomach doesn't tighten with them.

bargar18

Pinaysis86:

shannonimburgia:

nope a contraction is def tightning of the stomache, yet with menstral like pains. These waves of pain can be your uterus preparing for labor. Also baby can still move during a contraction so keep that in mind:)

Not necessarily on the stomach tightening part. I found out from my Doc that I was having contractions, but only felt pain on my right side. My stomach never tightened during any of them. They do now do to BH, but when I have an actual contraction (now that I know what they feel like) my stomach doesn't tighten with them.

 does it feel like cramping without the tightening?

grace_smith03

I didn't feel any tightening till later (almost in active labor)  My philosophy...if you can time it, it might be a contraction!  FYI, my contractions felt like heinous cramps that just got more intense as time went on.

GL to all and labor dust to those that need it!

charleydawg

With my first, I was looking for the stomach tightening and never got it.  I just had cramps (like I really had to go #2, but couldn't) and back pain.  They got so strong and close, I could barely time them.  When I got to the hospital, I was 6 cm, full effaced and delivered 3 hours later.  Try to time the pains and if they are close, call the doc.  This could be it!

Pinaysis86

Just about!! Mine are irregular at this point so they come and go at weird times. Dang it!

SamJustice

well as i just found out, it could be a uti. 

JandJ-A

Well, this post and the answers helped a lot!  I've been experiencing cramping, but no belly tightening...and def. no pressure.  Sometimes with backaches and sometimes without.  Sometimes I wondered if it was because my bladder was so full.  And lately, I wonder if it could be a small possibility of a UTI, like the last poster said she just found out.  In any case, I have a bit more info on this BH business.  All I know is that I don't like the cramps.  Too big a reminder of AF and how she'll make a grand re-appearance in a couple of months.  =(