FTM: Another contraction ?

mrswarman07

I'm sorry if I sound stupid/ignorant but I'm a FTM and I'm  not really sure what I'm looking for.  I've been having extreme abdominal tightness in my whole abdomen that comes and goes.  I've also been having stinging pains in my vagina.  Are these real contractions or just BH?  I've been having them all day.  I see my DR tomorrow so I'm definitely going to bring it up.  Any insight would be greatly appreciated.  And again, sorry for my stupidity/ignorance.

mrswarman07

Oh yeah and a lot of lower back  pain.

amryn

I think the way you tell the difference between BH and real contractions is that real contractions increase in frequency and strength. It's been three years since my first, but I don't remember stinging pain in the vaginal area.

Laura_Elaine

I can't really give you a "yes" or "no," but I would ask you this: are they coming in regular intervals? How long do they last?                                                                            I know so many people have said this, but I'll say it again: for most, menstral cramps are the best way to describe how they start... but in timeable intervals, not constant, as menstral cramps generally are. As they progress, it'll get hard to walk/talk through them and ultimately they become painful. some have different experiences, so this is only a guideline, but if they consistantly last a period of time and come at regular intervals, it might be early labor.                The general rule is 5-1-1... 5 minutes apart, lasting for one minute, and this pattern lasts for 1 hour... then go to the hospital, or at least call your OB.

zockrockwife

I've never heard of the stinging pain in the vagina as a sign of labor, but I guess it could be.  However, my first concern with that would be a possible infection.  Agree with PP that if the tightening is intensifying and getting closer together and gets to be 5-1-1, I'd head to L&D.  Or you could always go ahead and go to L&D to get checked out if you're worried. Good luck!

PrimRoseMama

When in doubt call your doctor and speak to the on call to describe what you are experiencing. They are trained and will tell you if you need to come in.

My experience [and I labored mostly at home until my water broke] was that my contractions were more than just tightness. They were actually painful and felt like menstrual cramps. I used to hate it when women told me this, but if you get uncomfortable and can't sit still you will "know".

I called when my water broke and ish got real. DD was born within an hour of me getting in the hospital. I barely had time to get checked in and didn't even change clothes.

Good luck! If this is it for you I wish you a safe and smooth delivery experience.