Scared about contractions

Muffin274

This is my first baby and I am totally clueless for what it will be like to go into labor.  What will contractions feel like?  I normally have a high pain tolerance so how will I know if they are real contractions or just Braxton Hicks?  I've had a lot of back pain so I am worried that I might have back labor and just think it is normal pain.  What are some tips or suggestions?

aiche Umm Ayoub

labor pains will not stop coming when they start no matter what you do if you have alot of back pain and or tighening /hardening of your stomach then call your doctor or L&D for advice

skio

Haha. You'll know.

A friend recently described birth like doing a split on a stick of dynamite. It's insane and there's no real way to describe it.

It's normal to feel intimidated. Keep an open mind during labor and get drugs of you need 'em.

HappyBeagle

As someone having them right now, let me tell you they bloody hurt. And yes, you'll know when you get them.

kcox123

I have a high pain tolerance chose to deliver 2 3 without meds but it is VERY obvious when I am in labor / contracting. Just because you have a high pain tolerance doesn't mean it won't hurt like hell. 99 sure it will. It's awful. But it may be manageable. You won't be going through transition and wondering if you should touch up your toenail polish. It is very intense.
Contractions will be regular/timetable and increasingly painful.you will know. It is VERY rare for a FTM to just pop out a baby b/c she couldn't tell she was in labor.
Sorry mobile bumping.

RK125

Muffin274:

This is my first baby and I am totally clueless for what it will be like to go into labor.  What will contractions feel like?  I normally have a high pain tolerance so how will I know if they are real contractions or just Braxton Hicks?  I've had a lot of back pain so I am worried that I might have back labor and just think it is normal pain.  What are some tips or suggestions?

Don't worry! You're not alone. I'm a FTM and I'm nervous about BH and contractions. I'm sure, reading everyone else's posts, that I'll know that something is happening, but the waiting game is nerve racking. I'm not in a rush because she still has some cooking to do, but I know it'll be here soon!

 (P.S. I'm trying out my siggy. Sorry if it's just code!)

PrimRoseMama

You will know. It's unlike anything you've ever experienced. Like menstrual cramps on overdrive combined with tightening, pressure and pain. It's healthy to be afraid, but you do have options if you choose. Talk to your doctor.

grace_smith03

PrimRoseMama:

You will know. It's unlike anything you've ever experienced. Like menstrual cramps on overdrive combined with tightening, pressure and pain. It's healthy to be afraid, but you do have options if you choose. Talk to your doctor.

Totally this description.  Don't be afraid of drugs during and after. It's a pain that you forget quickly, especially holding your precious LO.  You'll be fine.   

TMILLER45

The best way that I can describe contractions ....it might be tmi! The feeling when you have been holding a poop for too long! Your stomach tightens, twists and turns to the point you are curled up in a ball waiting for the pain to pass.

Edkitten

I am am FTM and I get nervous too.... But then I watch I didn't know I was pregnant and hope that just like the women on the show I think I have just have to poop. Hahah!

laceylavallee

Labor pains feel different for everyone. I wish I could tell you one way or another but there are so many variables that can make contractions feel different for each individual. What I can tell you is that try to remember that us, as women, were designed to deliver babies. That this pain isn't without reason and that it is not a permanent thing. It will all come to an end and the result will be an amazingly beautiful baby that you and your SO have created!! Pretty awesome!

momof2buggs

Honestly mine were manageable until my water broke. Then it was like I was BEGGING for a csection! I wanted to be cut open and just get the baby out, just so I didn't have to feel the pain, They hurt, and anyone who tells you they don't, is probably lying.

Muffin274

Thank you all for the advice.  I know it has been a while but I wanted to say thanks.  The advice from everyone helped calm my nerves.  And all of you were right!  I went into labor and there was no mistake that I was having real contractions!!  By the time we got to the hospital they were 1-2 minutes apart and I was in labor for 21 1/2 hours.  Finally had to have a C-Section.  It was the worst pain I have ever experienced but it was over quickly and it was well worth it.  The second I got to hold my baby it was all forgotten.