Contractions? what do they REALLY feel like?

Karen - posted on 01/23/2010

Everyone always tells you " you will know" well they aren't kidding. The trouble is when you feel those Braxton hicks and you have nothing to compare them to you think you know then. I was a first time Mom and thoguht for sure the pain was too intense not to be in labor. so I went to the hospital and they sent me home. I continued to have those "little" practice contractions and stressed myself out. But at 2am the next morning I had a real one, and let me tell you when you wake up screaming at the top of your lungs it's the real deal. Also they like you to wait until you are having them every 5 minutes at least before you come in. And if they are "practice" ones they shouldn't be that often. Just always call your Doc if your worried that's what they are there for! Good luck!

Erica - posted on 01/12/2011

well my first labor i didnt know i was in labor untill i was dilated 8cm called ambo n they came told me i was 8cm and my contractions was 1min apart i didnt feel no cramps just back pain because i had back labor which is very common when the bbay is on his back! Now this pregnancy is back pains and latly i been getting contractions today consistant n getting worse! They feel like strong cramps n belly gets hard. I was due on dec 25 but am getting induced in a few days which im thinking i wont need it because my contractions are 10 min apart. It all depends on the person i hate reading you will know because i didnt know untill i was in full labor 8cm 1min apart contractions

Carolee - posted on 01/05/2010

Okay, when they say "really bad menstrual cramps", they mean "REALLY, REALLY, REALLY bad menstrual cramps". Some women (like me) get back cramps that shoot up the spine. Here's another way to put it... you know how, when someone get electrocuted their muscles tighten up extremely hard... imagine that for just your belly. You don't get the hurt of the electrocution (obviously), but it's that kind of tightening. I got an epidural after 20 hours, and I am DEFINATELY not going to wait that long for this next one! Good luck, though. You honestly will forget exactly how much it hurts. It's mainly extreme discomfort.

Ruth - posted on 01/23/2010

im not gonna lie; contractions r horribly painful; i couldn't even sit down cause they were so bad after my water broke; all i could do was kneel on a fours; that didn't really even help; i got drugs for the pain when i 1st went into hosp; then i got the real stuff about 6 hrs later; but once that wears off; it's pretty bad; but at that point ur either pushing for an hr or u get a c section; the c section is really painful for a month or two; good luck

Helen - posted on 01/17/2010

Hi Jessica, During my second pregnancy i read a book called A Labour Of Love by Gabrielle Targett. I found this book really empowering, and it helped me mentally and spiritually prepare myself for a natural labour. Give it a read if you can!!

Let go of your fear darlin you were born to give birth!!

Erica - posted on 01/12/2011

o one more thing like i said i didnt know i was in labor untill 8cm the pain was so bad i rub my head so hard it brused so if u dont notice at first or second stage you will defently know at end of labor i guess it depends on pain tolerance

Kimberly - posted on 01/23/2010

Wow, Ruth...it's not like that for everyone! This is NOT what I would have needed or wanted to hear two months prior to giving birth for the first time!

Diane - posted on 01/17/2010

NOTHING will ever prepare you for labor. And you will never experience anything like it agian!

Michele - posted on 01/11/2010

First of all, congratulations! I just had my second child a year ago. The labor was pretty much the same both times, but the actual pregnancies were very different. I can't really tell you anything new about how labor feels, because mine felt like really bad cramps like a lot of other women. I noticed you said your pelvis was getting sore too. That happened to me with my second pregnancy. I also had pain in my pubic bone, especially in the morning or after laying down for a long time. It went away after giving birth though. As for being anxious about going into labor, don't sweat it too much. It's a pain you will forget as soon as you meet your baby. Obviously, I've done it twice! So anyway, good luck. I'm sure you'll do fine.

Susan - posted on 01/11/2010

You're probably having braxton hicks contractions if you're 29 weeks, but discuss it with your OB if you're really concerned about what you're feeling. They want all your questions and it's always better to be on the safe side. I didn't know what contractions felt like till my second child to be honest and that was because I was high risk and hooked up to monitors all the time so I could see them when they were happening and really pay attention to what I was feeling. I just thought it was the baby moving. It was sort of like what you're describing; my belly would get very tight and it would feel like the baby was pushing out and up. Real contractions come w/some pain but Braxton Hicks can as well. When I was actually in labor with both, there was an intense band of crampy pain from my low back radiating all the way around to the front. Real contractions will start to be regular. If you feel more than 4-6 an hr in normal low risk pregnancies, call the doctor. A few contractions can be normal. Good luck. You'll be fine, but I disagree with the masses; you don't always know you're in labor.

Kylie-Jane - posted on 01/11/2010

Hi Jessica, I agree with the other women who have said that if you have any doubts or concerns about early labour, talk to your doctor or mid-wife... if they don't reassure you calmly and discuss what you're experiencing, see someone else. I had a rotten pregnancy and labour (I had morning noon and night sickness for the last 36 weeks and vomited with every contraction!) that said, I also found the contractions felt like very bad menstrual cramps. My son was full terrm but the labour proceeded quickly - I had my show, then within half an hour my waters broke, and within another 30 minutes I started full labour which only lasted about 14.5 hours. I remember looking my husband in the eyes, telling him I couldn't do it and that I wanted him to take me home!! It was painful, I won't lie to you, but within minutes of our son being in my arms, I knew I'd do it all again in a heart beat. Good luck with the rest of your pregnancy, and enjoy motherhood :)

Pamela - posted on 01/11/2010

When i started i didn't know, just had pesky pain across my lower back coming and going and getting slowly worse... but i wouldn't worry about it (i know that doesn't help, been there done that) My whole labour was really in the back, i ended up having an epidural, i couldn't take the pain and nobody thinks any less of you for it...

Kimberly - posted on 01/11/2010

It's definitely a repetitive thing over a length of time...mine felt like intestinal cramping---like you have to go #2 really bad--and in fact I did for about an hour, then had my daughter about an hour later!! Like "they" always say--you will KNOW! And you do. Ususally, if you are laying there and thinking, Is this it?.. I don't know!--it either is just the very beginning or false labor (which is normal for the last couple months too!) In fact, when I first woke up in labor, I angrily thought, oh no, not this fake stuff again! But please don't be nervous--I did it with no drugs (not by choice) and didn't think it was that bad--would have done it all over again 5 minutes later!! Best experience of my whole life, and without even knowing you, I'm sure it will be yours too! Good luck! :)

Maria - posted on 01/11/2010

i already had 4 normal deliveries in my 44 years of age...hope i can help. yes, what you are feeling are indeed contractions, but since you're just about what? 30 weeks into pregnancy...those are what the OB-Gyn call "Braxton Hicks" contractions (google it for more info)...contractions are a series of tightening and then relaxing sensations. birth doulas would advice you to go into your breathing exercises when you have the tightening kind of feel. good luck with your coming baby:)

Cindy - posted on 01/11/2010

hi, i've just had my 3rd child and i went into hospital for a check up and came out with a baby, i went in cos i was having discomfort, not pain and half hour later i gave birth, didnt know the discomfort was contractions however my first 2 children were very different, i had no labour pains i stood up one day my waters broke and the heads came out,the first one was registered as a 20 min labour and the 2nd was 28 mins both from start to finish so every labour is different, i still wouldnt know a contraction if i felt one so ppl telling u wot they r like may not be wot u will experience. it sounds like wot u r experiencing is braxton hicks which is false labour but real labour in my opinion doesnt feel like that at all however the pains u r getting in ur back i also had and ended up finishing work at 4 months it was so painful but i think it down to ur posture changing and where the baby is laying maybe. i hope this helps a little. i hope all goes well for u and and ur baby.

Jolene - posted on 01/11/2010

Quoting Jessica:

Wow thanks so much everyone! If it's the Braxton Hicks Contractions then I've been having those for about a week now.. I will make sure to call my doctor ASAP. Thanks again..

Oh by the way.. in between my thighs it feels horrible.. like a sore pain in my pelvic as well it's horrible getting up in the morning.

Have you ever been to a Chiropractor? I had pain in my hips with my first baby and my father in law (Who was a Chiropractor) gave me an adjustment and the baby was just resting on my sciatic nerve. I was in horrible pain for weeks before I told him about it and it was gone within minutes after the adjustment.  

Rachelle - posted on 01/11/2010

Your stomach does get hard and it does feel like bad cramps. It could be braxton hicks contractions. I would definitely mention it to your doctor to make sure that is all it is. If the possible contractions do it several times an hour, you better get checked. I had a lot of braxton hicks contractions from about 5 months on with my pregnancies.

CRYSTAL - posted on 01/11/2010

Well the menstral cramps statements are very true...just take your worse month of cramps and multiply it by 10....or you can compare it to an really bad episode of sudden diarrhea when you get the sweats and there's no bathroom in site and you just have to bear it. As far as the pushing part of labor...it's the feeling of having a bowel movement of a watermellon...the pressure is like you've never felt before. Your stomach getting hard in intervals are a sign of braxton hicks....just notify your OB/GYN the next time you see him/her. Don't mean to scare you but just being totally honest with you (being my labors go so fast I don't get the option of drugs).

Good Luck!!!

Kiaza - posted on 01/11/2010

hi jessica, I just had my first baby 3 weeks ago and to be honest the memory of a terrible labour and birth are still fresh in my mind. 25and a half hours. I was induced with cervidil, my contractions started and they did feel just like menstrual cramps, after 2 hours they felt like bad cramps but were starting to take over my body, this is when i feel it is so important to stay calm and really focus on breathing through each contraction and taking them one at a time. for about 6 hours I was pacing around the hospital just trying to walk it off. by 9 hours i started using the gas as i had lost controll and could no longer withstand the pain. not long after that i asked for an epi which was the best thing ever except i stoped dialating and ended up having 25 hours of labour, followed by a vac assisted delivery.



The pain is something your body can handle, if you stay calm and focus on what you need to do to get trough. dont be scared your body will no what to do, and dont be afraid to ask for pain relife when you need it if you do.



enjoy your expireience and i wish you all the best, once you see your bubba nothing you go through will mater.

JoElle - posted on 01/11/2010

Funny, I think that is the one worry every 1st time mom thinks of, but, like the rest of the moms responding to this question it is different for everyone. Alot depends on what position the baby is in and how high of a tolerence of pain one has. For me I thought I was constipated the whole day I was taking fiber drink mix. Tooo funny little did I know until later that night my water broke and the doctor said I was already 4 minutes apart. The stomach pains didn't hurt me at all...it was the major back labor when I was induced that was not pleasant. You will not care what aches or pains you went through once he/she is born...matter of fact, the experience is nothing what you will go through for that child....It is a powerful love and nothing can compare. Good luck and I hope you have a long and healthy life with your family.

Catherine - posted on 01/11/2010

Jessica,



I had the same concerns when I was pregnant. Having done a bunch of marathons and triathalons, I considered myself to have a high threshhold for pain. So, I was worried that I wouldn't "know" when they came like everyone told me I would. Lo and behold, I knew ... the pain was the most intense of my life. We had no time to time the contractions, they started and BAM! I had to go to the hospital. By the time I got to the hospital I was 6 or 7 cm (and it is only 10 minutes away!).



Best of luck with your delivery. I am sure it will go smooth ... and if perhaps there is a problem, lots of strong women (like me) have C-sections.

Becky - posted on 01/11/2010

Quoting Jessica:

So I ended up going to the hospital Tuesday night with really bad back pains & a stiff tummy, along with annoying inner thigh pains & menstrual cramps..

turns out I've been having Braxton Hicks for quite some time now.

baby's fine, nurses said not to worry but to increase the fluids I drink & to rest, just sucks baby's in breech position! let's hope he turns before labor; I DO NOT WANT A CESAREAN :(

THANKS AGAIN LADIES!

My sister delivered a breech baby without caesarian, and he is perfectly fine. Smart, healthy, athletic, certainly not brain damaged. You have to find the right doctor, which is to say, one that won't insist on a c-section just because of the breech position, and one who knows how to deliver breech babies safely. My sister did a lot of research during her pregnancy to set herself up for success, so I'm not saying this is easy, only that it can be done if you are determined and courageous.

Of course, you have plenty of time for the baby to turn, and most likely that is what will end up happening. Think positive.

Carol - posted on 01/11/2010

I am about to have my forth baby and each of my labour pains were different. Mostly I had really bad pains in my back. But bad menstral cramps x 50 should do the trick!!! I am one of the lucky ones who dont feel any prelabour and only start feeling contractions 6mins apart. Pretty scary when you live 40 min from the hospital!!. But dont stress to much you know when your contractions are a constant time apart. you sound like your getting practise contractions (braxton hicks) so labout is similar but lots worse. Good luck hope you last out until at least 36 weeks.

Eunice - posted on 01/11/2010

believe me you will knw... what you are having now are braxton hixs which are false labor pains...that occur in the lower back. Your cervix is dialating so you are getting close. when your contractions are 3 to 5 mins apart for 1 hour then you knw you are ready... blessing on your new bundle to cme....let me knw if this info was helpful....

Vicky - posted on 01/11/2010

hi there my name vicky you neeed 2 concant your mifwife and tell them what happying and then phone ur hostpil you are at so they know what happying them mite ask you 2 go in she how fear you. you been ok just think in you are you will have the baby in your arm after all the pain it will forgotten about take care and good luck xx

Amanda - posted on 01/10/2010

Your having braxton hicks had them for the last 2 months of pregnancy.. Not fun But ya labor is like cramps times 100... Your back prolly hurts because the babys head is pressing on it. But I would get checked just in case... You dont want an early baby......But the moment you see your baby the pain instantly ends.

Veronica - posted on 01/10/2010

Hi Jessica, don't rush into it. You will know when the time comes. I have 4 children and all have been different. Not one has been the same. No one can ever tell you what it will be like because what happend to one may not happend to another. One thing I will tell you is rest all you can once your baby comes that's it. You will never sleep the same. Don't be scared you will be fine. Enjoy your pregnancy.

Stef - posted on 01/10/2010

Sounds like you're getting Braxton hicks contractions, they're like practise contractions that all pregnant woman get but not everyone feels. Although not normally painful I get them and sometimes they do hurt a bit! But on the upside your uterus is priming itself for an efficient delivery. Try not to panic about labour, so much of it is psychological. The more relaxed you are the easier it will be. In saying that I won't lie to you sista, it hurts to give birth...but we aren't given more than we can handle otherwise the world population would cease to exist (and we are currently overpopulated, so what does that tell you?!) I'm the worlds biggest sook and I had my girl at home with no pain relief PLUS I swore I would never do it again, but here I am on the ev of my girls first birthday and I'm 9 weeks from birthing her brother...and I plan to do that at home again with no pain relief (all going well). Trust me, if i can do that twice with the pain still very fresh in my mind it's proof that we woman are incrediable and more than capable of dealing with the most natural thing in the world! You will do a wonderful job bringing your bub into the world. Relax as best you can, visualise as gentle a labour as possible and embrace your right of passage into womanhood!

Dianne - posted on 01/10/2010

Quoting Jessica:

Contractions? what do they REALLY feel like?

I just turned 29 weeks pregnant and I am extremely anxious to go into labor!

but.. I just don't know what to expect, I've asked around a bit and all I keep getting is "feels like really bad menstrual cramps"

is that really it?

because lately my lower back has been hurting like crazy and out of nowhere my belly gets hard ass a rock for at least 30 seconds.. then after quite some time, the same thing happens.

Help! I'm scared of going into labor and not knowing.

I guess you have heard by now from all the responses you got that you might be having "back labor" and I hope you have talked to your doctor.  My daughter managed her labor by keeping moving all the time except the very end pushing time she spent in a tub of water at the hospital.  She walked up and down the maternity hallway the whole time--I thought that was amazing.  it is not easy to lie in a bed only expecting pain!  I can't tell you how late labor feels because both my kids were breech and I had C-sections but if you have back labor it is going to be different anyways.  You will get through it because of the reward at the end!!  Then you will forget or discount any pain, pretty much.

Rena - posted on 01/10/2010

First of all, do not be afraid. You can do this! Your body is designed for it. You are so wise to get advice, though. So that you know what to expect, just think of your uterus as the strongest muscle in your body. Because, it is!

You will be able to manage the pain of contractions if you prepare yourself ahead of time by knowing when and how to breathe through them. They come in waves with transition being the most intense time. Right before you are ready to push baby out, you will have one after another after another of intense cramping. Don't worry! It's just your body helping you push baby out. Go with it! The pain WILL pass and you will be rewarded with a beautiful healthy baby.

Having said that, IF your baby is presented "sunny side up" or, face up, you WILL have more intense BACK pain. Since you are at 29 wks., baby has plenty of time to turn over, again...don't worry.

Enjoy every minute....make sure you and your labor partner are in agreement regarding HOW you will handle the pain of childbirth.

hth's

♥

Raya - posted on 01/10/2010

Quoting Jessica:

Contractions? what do they REALLY feel like?

I just turned 29 weeks pregnant and I am extremely anxious to go into labor!

but.. I just don't know what to expect, I've asked around a bit and all I keep getting is "feels like really bad menstrual cramps"

is that really it?

because lately my lower back has been hurting like crazy and out of nowhere my belly gets hard ass a rock for at least 30 seconds.. then after quite some time, the same thing happens.

Help! I'm scared of going into labor and not knowing.

For me with my first child my labor pains were like bad menstrual cramps but really really really bad, and for my second pregancy my contraction were just like you are saying bad back pains and my belly getting hard as a rock and so on. but all i can say is that everybody is different.

Hope this helps.

Jennifer - posted on 01/10/2010

Alot of people are scared the first time, I was, even more scared the second time cause I knew what was coming. It's not really the nicest thing to go through but once the baby's out the pains gone, just soak in a warm bath every night, that will help you relax.

Stephanie - posted on 01/10/2010

when i was pregnant, i would HATE asking people what contractions felt like only for them to tell me "you'll just know." but it really is the truth. I had several different times throughout the final weeks of pregnancy where i would sit and time the braxton-hicks contractions i was feeling, never sure if it was the "real thing" or not.

however, every contraction is different for every woman. while for many, it feels like strong, deep menstrual cramps, my contractions stemmed from "back labor," where i was mostly experiencing a burning or tightness in my lower back area.

as much as i hate to say this, i promise that you will, in fact, "just know." even though my water didn't break when i went into labor, i absolutely knew within th efirst hour of my contractions that it was the real thing. just try not to worry about it, it will come naturally!

Nicole - posted on 01/10/2010

just focus on relaxing and definitely breathe through the pain... by the time it's over, all you'll be worried about is your new bundle of joy not what you just had to go through for him/her to arrive :)

Jo - posted on 01/10/2010

You will feel a differance when you are in real labor... Like everyone above says...With my second delivery I was on the phone with the hospital real early morning because I thought I "might" be in labor. I was 7 days past mydue date. We had gotten home about 11 the night before. We went to sleep I woke up mid sleep and Took bath to relieve the back pain. It got worse I woke my husband up around 4am so he could put his knees into my hips. I called the nurse on call and she said to wait until my contractions were about 5 minutes apart(LMAO) mine were 14 mins apart(I had to go by my back pain) and I was talking through them like nothing as long as my husband kept my hips and lower spine in the right allignment. The contractions were sparatic they never made it to 5 minutes apart.(well I couldn't tell). So i didn't listen to her we went to the hospital about a hour later. I was checking into the ER registering because apparently I wasn't in "full labor" So once that was completed they wheeled me up to the delivery floor to labor exam room(yuckky boring room lol). So they get me in stirups to check to see how far dialated I was and to see what their next course of action was and wether or not I was staying or going home. Well I was 8 1/2 centimeters dialed fully effaced and ready to go. I didn't have time for an epidural but I got a spinal(didn't help with the back pain and I could still feel every movement down in there.) About 2 hours later at 6:53 my boy was born at Bristol Hospital,CT. So don't always listen to what the timing of your contractions are, they aren't the same for everyone. They had to break my water and my contractions (that I could kind of feel) never regulated within 20 minutes he was born.

Casey - posted on 01/10/2010

I agree with Tiffany ^^^ it is only 1 day out of your life to bring another long life into this world :)

Tiffany - posted on 01/10/2010

We've all been there and we've all heard the stories of what it feels like. The funny thing is, they're true. Unlike the movies, you don't just all of a sudden feel this sharp pain and have to run to the hospital, at least not in most cases. I had back pain starting around 34 weeks and gave birth at 38 weeks. I agree with others, it does feel like menstral cramps. They just get more and more intense as the labor progresses.



The best advice I can give you is try not to worry about it. Thinking about it is okay because you're preparing yourself but don't phsyc yourself out too much. It's just not worth it. In the end, once it's all over, it's totally worth it and really, it's only 1 day of your entire life.

Niki - posted on 01/10/2010

They feel like really bad menstrual cramps.. And what i was told was you'll know when it happens.. And quite honestly that is sooo true!! They start out very mild and buil as labor progresses.

Casey - posted on 01/09/2010

Hi its best you see your Dr but In my opinon your experiencing Braxton Hicks.Its false labour.Labour is different for everyone and it is painful but in my 2nd labour (VBAC) the pushing was the worst cause he just wouldnt come down, kept rocking back and forward for 2 hours :) but such a beautiful experience. Good Luck xxx

Adeana - posted on 01/09/2010

everyone is diffent depends on your pain level

Lori - posted on 01/09/2010

sounds like Braxton Hick's, what you discribed is a contraction. but if you are in labor it doesnt come and go there is a pattern. with my daughter I started having what you described around the same time and was told to pay attention to the timing of them and write them down as a record of sorts just in case of premature labor. with my son I started Braxton hick's about week 30 and I knew when i was in labor the week i delivered I was having contractions every 15 minutes to an hour all week but was not progressing and the day i delivered they were every 5 minutes and very different. You will know when your in full labor if you have talked with your DR. and you have payed attention to your body...good luck.

Mary - posted on 01/09/2010

Don't be scared. Just think of the joy of a little child that God has entrustd you with. So calm down and just be patient. God will never put more on you than you can bear. lol

Terry - posted on 01/09/2010

Those are called Braxton Hicks contractions. You will get them a lot for the rest of your pregnancy. It's preparing your body for the real event. Every woman experiences different labor but they do have a heavy menstraul cramping sensation and can radiate into your lower back. Watch for a bloody show and if the braxton hicks become worse and regular then call your doctor.

Lexi - posted on 01/09/2010

I know how daunting it is,i spent the last weeks of my pregnancy petrified that i would't know when i was having contractions...but trust me you will know when you have them...they kinda are like menstrual cramps,but you feel your stomach getting tight maybe painful,then they stop...when you think your in labour try to count how long each pain lasts for,then the next time compare it to the previous pain,if its stronger and longer its likely your having conractions...dont always assume your water will break either as mine never did...All i can say is try not to worry,im not going to lie it is painful,but you have to keep thinking of the gorgeous outcome....Good Luck

Becky - posted on 01/09/2010

Fear not! When you are really in labor, you will know it. What you are having now are contractions, but until they get much more intense, and consistently around 10 minutes apart, it is too soon to go to the hospital.



So-called false labor pains are very common, and can begin weeks ahead of your actual labor. However, it is a good idea to let your doctor or midwife know what you are experiencing. In some cases you may be advised to take steps to prevent your false labor from becoming the real thing far too soon. Since you are only at 29 weeks, need to be careful.



I understand your impatience to be done with pregnancy, but 29 weeks is way too soon to start praying for labor to begin. Pray for it to wait. My first child was born 5 weeks early. I don't recommend it.

Brynn - posted on 01/09/2010

The feeling that your getting when your stomach gets tight are just Braxton Hicks Contractions. Now real contractions do feel like extremely bad menstrual cramps. Unfortunately it really can't be explained, all I can tell you is that you KNOW when your having real contractions and are in labor.

Alexia - posted on 01/09/2010

Dear Jessica I do not want to make you feel worst but believe me it's a difficult experience and you have to expect a lot of pain. My son now is 4,5 months old and I believe if I haven't done epidural anesthesia I couldn't make it for having him as normal birth

Lot of pain and I think why we should feel it? It couldn't make us love our children most

I thind you should discuss it with your doctor. It's absolutely safe don't worry

Amanda - posted on 01/09/2010

It depends where you get your contractions. I had a planned C-section and to my luck, the night before the scheduled day, my water broke. So I had to sit in labor for 8 hours until they could give me a c section and the contractions all came in my back...its like someone is continuously pushing on your back and it feels like period cramps only worse. To make matters worse, I thought it was the worse pain ever and I only made it to 5 CM dialated....my mom was like to me THATS NOTHING STOP COMPLAINING! So what it is like to get fully dialated with contractions, I can not give you an answer...all I know is by 5 I could not bear the pain anymore.

Emma - posted on 01/09/2010

for me , i was wrapping christmas presents while having contractions and didn't realise I was having them!! Just felt like a back spasm and didn't really get much worse until I was about to push the little man out. Dont be scared please, I am the biggest wuss ever, and I only had a pethidine shot to get thru the pain. Ask for whatever pain relief you want and believe me, you probably wont have time to feel any fear at the time, there really is too much going on! Another thing that I think really really helped me, as I was very anxious, was to try a hypnotherapy CD especially designed for giving birth. My hubby thought I had gone into a Zen-like state for about eight hours, even the midwife was whispering to him, 'what is she doing...?' cause I was sitting cross legged on the bed with my eyes shut breathing deeply for eight hours!! Hope some of this helps. You will get thru it believe me and feel such a strong woman afterwards like you can take on the world!!

Santjie - posted on 01/08/2010

That sounds like bracksten hicks - your body's arobics to get ready for birth. Some have it through their whole pregnancy. I only had it on my first born's due date (but she did not arrive until a week later) Bad menstrual cramps, lower back, tummy and down under is sore. It is more painfull than just menstrual cramps, but the same kind of sore. Your brain produces some kind of hormone that acted as pain relief, and I promise you won't remember is not long after. My pelvis was so sore with no. 1 from 28 weeks on that I was sure she was already engaged, but she did not engaged until about the day she was born.

Delora - posted on 01/08/2010

Like whats been said over and over again. they feel like a strong case of menstral cramps. everyone is different, and every pregnancy you have will be different. The worse thing to do is get scared and really anxious. I know it sounds good, but almost impossible with the first. If you can do it, it will make it a lot easier. It sound like your in false labor. when you go in labor you will know. My first I was really really scared so my body was so tense, thats what made the pains worse and the labor longer. I had no one to tell me anything. The second, didnt even know I was pregnant until I had her - no labor pains at all, my third was trying to come out sideways, she wanted to be breech but she was to lazy to turn all the way around (lol), and she was a dry labor (ouch), and believe it or not, my fourth was so easy I could have delivered him myself. So what Im trying to say is everyone and every one is different. I have never been in labor over 8 hrs. ( Thank You God). Its going to be alright.

Kathleen - posted on 01/08/2010

What you are experiencing might be mild Braxton Hicks (false labor pains). My labor pains felt like the muscles in my stomach were tightening. I actually started having some contractions early in the morning on a wednesday. I actually went back to bed for a couple hours and it wan't until later that afternoon that I realized that I had likely started labor when they started happening at regular intervals. Then it wasn't until Thursday night at 6:42 PM that my daughter was born. My contractions weren't bad until about Thursday afternoon. Until then, I could still have a conversation through them and even then, I only had to pause for a minute or two to breathe. Honestly they didn't really hurt bad until about 4 PM, when I went into more "hard labor." When it's really time, you'll start to recognize the pattern of the contractions. This was my first daughter (only at this point), so I totally understand where you're coming from.

Rebecca - posted on 01/08/2010

Early contractions do feel like menstrual cramps and I also had niggly little back pains as well. As labour progresses, these pains intensify. I know this is so corny but believe me when it is the real thing you just know. I had exactly the same things first pregnancy and when I went into labour both times, I just knew, THIS IS IT!

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I don't think they feel like menstrual cramps AT ALL. To me, they felt like sharp waist pains. When you go into labor you'll know it, it'll be too periodic that it will be hard to mistake it. You're probably having Braxton Hicks contractions now and they go away after like half an hour at most I think.

Joyce - posted on 01/08/2010

Yes your back will hurt & tummy get hard. I can only tell you that I felt like I wanted to set on the pot & bare down. I finally figured out I needed to go to the hospital to deliver. Everything will be fine & you will know. Trust yourself!