What counts as a contraction?

KSEDmini · May 2010

I started having contractions last night, and this morning, but I'm experiencing a wide variety of pains.

Sharp radiating back pain

Lightning crotch that lasts for 45 seconds or more

Abdominal contractions

BH that are just uncomfortable but not unbearable

And the feeling that everything from my belly button to my vag. is tightening and it's painful.

So.....do all of these things constitute contractions or do only some of them count? Which ones should I be timing and which should I ignore (if any). I thought it would be so clear once they started coming, but it's not. All the baby books and Google info describe contractions in different ways so i have no idea which ones are the real deal.

stepher614 · May 2010

I had/have all of that and I was in L &D yesterday and i was having contractions.It all started in my back. Call your dr and explain. He/She will tell you what you should do. How often? How far apart? How long do they last? I am still only 1 cm dilated and 0% effaced so it can last for a while.

Good luck and let us know what they say! Big Smile

gasper · May 2010

IMHO it sounds like you may be at the beginning of labor but it is still very unorganized. With my first it was 12 hours of random cramping, pain, BH, going poop (TMI) before it became organized and only then did I realize what was happening. You will know when it becomes organized because the contractions will become more uniform (But may still be mainly in the back or front or wherever) and regular. When in doubt call your doctor. GL!

Linds&Chris777 · May 2010

I didn't even realize I was having contractions when I was in labor with DS. Everyone is different.

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