Timing contractions is hard

AmyLaurel89

I'm noticing contractions but not certain as to the beginning and ending of them. Does anyone have tips for timing them? 

 

vbelanger

I have the same problem... its really frustrating.

sunflower8710

JMHO, but if you can't tell the start and stop they may not be worth timing...

my experience, anyway.

AmyLaurel89

I thought so too but when I notice the peaks they are less than 10 minutes apart. 

It just makes me think that timing them might prove to be useful. I'd rather bother timing when I don't need to, than wish I had the info and not know how long I've had them and how long they have been etc.

 

jandegirl

I agree!  With my last pregnancy, my contractions were painless until they broke my water at 8 cm.  Timing them was impossible.  This time they are painful but I alter between what feel like BH but painful, cramping and back pain.  I can't tell sometimes when they start.  I am using the contraction calculator here on the bump.  Does all the math for me!  lol!

mabma80

When you feel like your breathe is taken away, and you have to completely stop moving/walking, that's when you start.  Plus, you can't talk.  When the pain is gone, you'll be able to talk and move a bit again.

I write down the time they start and end.  Do that for a few of them.

Once you have a few done (lets say three or four), count how many min. passed during, and between each contraction. It really helps if you have someone write it down for you.

If this sounds complicated, sorry. I can't think of any other way of explaining it. 

AmyLaurel89

I does sound complicated but it does make sense. That actually does help so thank you.  

aLsMay24

I downloaded a timer on DH's ipod or use the one on the bump if I am on the computer already.  My contractions start very low and aren't super uncomfortable/painful at first but I can feel it start to get hard and then it sort of grows up my belly until my entire uterus is a rock and it peaks then it slowly goes back down.  I start it as soon as I feel my lower abdomen start to harden and don't stop the tracker until I have felt it go down and when I press on my stomach it has give to it again.