I know its been asked a million times...

FabulousMrs.P · October 2011

but what do contractions feel like? Can they feel like menstrual cramps? Sorry, I am a clueless FTM. Just want to know what to look for as the doctor told me when I go into labor I need to get into the hospital a little sooner than the average first time mom as I am already dilated to 4 cm.

cfemiani · October 2011

I'm not sure if this explanation will help or be more confusing, but here goes. I had my bi-weekly NST yesterday and the doctor said that I was having regular, but mild, contractions. I told him that I didn't feel anything. So, he stood there until the next one came and said "Okay, you are having a contraction right now." He then showed me how my belly was getting hard all over, and he told me to try to push on it. When it didn't really move, he said that's how I know I'm having a contraction. When I actually felt my belly, I realized what he was saying. The past 2 weeks I had chalked up the tight belly to my LO just moving around and not having enough space. Turns out, they were all contractions. Granted, they are mild and not time-able, but basically my stomach turned into a very hard rock for about a minute or two. During some of the contractions I did feel a bit of a twinge in my lower back, but it went away pretty quickly.

shellylovelee · October 2011

cfemiani:
I had chalked up the tight belly to my LO just moving around and not having enough space. Turns out, they were all contractions. Granted, they are mild and not time-able, but basically my stomach turned into a very hard rock for about a minute or two.

This is interesting to read as occasionally at night I'm awoken by a very hard, tight tummy. When I reached down to feel it is very hard and LO's rump was protruding waaaaay far out. I thought it was just him getting into a funky position, but now it's sounding a lot like this. Hmmmmm...

LindsayB0505 · October 2011

My early contractions felt exactly like strong menstrual cramps. I never really did notice the "hardening" of my stomach.

stardust317 · October 2011

I was having menstrual like cramping/ contractions before I was put on bed rest, but they were very mild. They also stopped when I quit working. I had a scheduled csection because I wasn't looking good for induction, and I was having issues with my blood pre sure.

Blue789 · October 2011

I've had both types of feelings (menstrual cramps and stomach tightening). For me the menstrual cramps or more noticeable and I timed them earlier this week at 3 minutes apart when they came in waves. From what I've read I think both count.

FabulousMrs.P · October 2011

Thanks everyone! I feel like a total idiot asking, but I just don't know what I should be looking for. I have had some mild PMS like cramping on and off over the last 3 days, but nothing consistent.

soon2bjmn · October 2011

Dude, don't feel like an idiot for asking. I wish more women would talk about these kinds of things (I mean in real life, not just on the bump).

ebp913 · October 2011

I've also had the tightening contractions for the last several days. I went to the OB just in case but I hadn't really progressed further from when they started. Of course this is only my experience but my doctor said they should be getting a bit more painful or uncomfortable for them to be "the real thing".

seb09 · October 2011

I suppose the menstrual cramps comparison is fine in early labor. But in active labor if feels like the entire gravity of the earth is trying to suck your innards out through your vagina. Can't mistake the feeling.

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