Hello, I am currently 41 weeks pregnant with my first baby. I am finding it very difficult to sleep tonight due to some mild cramping, back pain, and strong braxton hicks contractions (I think). What do the real labor contractions feel like? Thanks, Millie
2006-09-03 18:27:14 · 12 answers · asked by Rosalind55 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Pregnancy
Sounds like your body is gearing up!
For me contractions start out as tight squeezing and mild discomfort in regular intervals. They often wrap from front to back or back to front. As they get closer together they get stronger and more painful. You will find yourself not being able to talk through them, then having to stop and breathe through them, then they will get painful enough where you will have a hard time breathing through them. They will also last 45-60 seconds and get progressively tighter then relax again. I can't explain it...you will just know when you are in active labor. When they are 5 minutes apart or when you can't breathe through them easily or if your water breaks I would call your doctor. If you aren't sure you can also call...false alarms happen and no one minds checking you to see if you are in labor, especially at 41 weeks!
PS: When I was having contraction like the ones you described walking helped me go into labor. I hope you have your baby soon!
2006-09-03 18:48:18 · answer #1 · answered by wendysorangeblossoms 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I remember them similar to the most horrific diarrhea cramps I had ever experienced except way worse. Imagine over dosing on ex-lax and that is a mild version of labor cramps.
Take a severe period and multiply that by uhhhhhh.... say 100,000? Yeah! That might be right.
Though in the very, very beginning, before cramping even began I simply felt funny, like maybe I had a mild flu coming on. I just felt really quiet and like I wanted to go lay down and rest. I felt a slight chill to me and wanted to just put some jammies on and cuddle with a big pillow.
When I told my mom that she said, "Uh oh!" She knew before I did that it was simply a matter of hours from that point. :)
2006-09-04 01:33:05 · answer #2 · answered by NONAME 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Real contractions become longer, stronger, and closer together. Braxton hicks vary. Usually if your contractions are coming every 5 minutes or so and are quite painful, you should go to the hospital.
2006-09-04 01:35:02 · answer #3 · answered by tinydoozer 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
For me it started as a light cramping every five minutes, like a period cramp. Then they gradually got stronger and stronger until I was positive it was labor. I was 5cm when I arrived at the hospital.
2006-09-04 01:31:29 · answer #4 · answered by Alana B 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Real labor contractions are regular; Braxton hicks can be irreguar.
You're in your 41st week?! Don't mess around. Call your doc or midwife.
Good luck. I wish you all the best!
2006-09-04 01:35:41 · answer #5 · answered by warehaus 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
well they felt like really bad cramps for me...i waited til i was about 6cm dialated and then i had my epidural...if you are that concerned about it and way ready to have this baby go to the hospital...the worst thing they will say is that you arent ready to be admitted(you have to be 4cm). good luck!!!
also....if you try walking and the cramps get worse and worse then those are the real things!!! braxton hicks wont do that!!!!
2006-09-04 01:31:29 · answer #6 · answered by *His_Playgirl* 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
sounds like you are ready dear, they don't get "real" bad until you are into the 2nd stage of labor and then your water will probably have broken. The first stage of labor is kind of like bad menstrual cramps or sharp back pains.
2006-09-04 02:34:46 · answer #7 · answered by b_friskey 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You will know when you are in labor, believe me. Imagine really bad period cramps, like the worst you ever had in your life. Or maybe almost like you have to poop but you don't. I know that's a little confusing, but you'll understand when the time comes.
2006-09-04 01:34:10 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
For me they wrapped around mid section. They were strong enough that if I couldn't walk and they would go away. I would consider them contractions. Also they get stronger each time.
2006-09-04 01:33:46 · answer #9 · answered by starla_adore33 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
period pains at first... then my water broke
period pains got much worse... tried cleaning kitchen
went to hospital
... have beautiful 9 year old son 8)
If you are really worried you should go to the hospital or call your doctor.
Listen to your body, you'll know when its time.
2006-09-04 01:35:51 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋