what do contractions feel like?

Question

im getting these pains and they have been coming on & off all day.. and through out the week. im just trying to figure out what it is

Answer 1

Really, really bad back pain, but all around your stomach, sides and back.
That's what it felt like to me anyway.

Answer 2

Hi,

There are 2 types of contractions. 1. Braxton Hicks
2. Real Contractions

Braxton Hicks are the pains/contractions you get when you body is getting ready to go into labour. The can be severe pains or light pains. They usually are not in sequence. They may last for 2 hours for example and disappear then reappear later in the day or the next.

The real contractions are really times ones. The start maybe an hour or two apart then slowly get cloer and closer. The closer they get the more pains you feel and then its labour time.

Good luck with everything hope all goes well.

If you are really worried, ring your midwife or go there and have a check up. All should be ok!

Answer 3

Contractions are really bad pains in your lower back and stomach. it felt like a really bad cramp. It made me cry from the pain. U can call ur hospital and talk with an ob nurse. you time these pains. If they r 5 min apart in a hour go to the er if they are irregular meaning different minutes apart then drink some more water like a liter and see if it stops. good luck

Answer 4

Contractions are simply a tightening of the uterine muscles, and then they relax. Basically, before you are in active labor, this is just the workout phase for your muscles to be preapared to do their job. Also, it helps to thin the cervix, and dilate it as well. When it all happens gradually, it seems to be much easier on the mom to be when the real time comes to deliver. The things to watch for is increase in intensity, pain, and overall lenght of the contraction. How far apart are they? You actually time from the beginning of one contraction to the beginning of the next. Consult your ob/gyn to find out when he would like you to come into be evaluated. I found it much easier to stay at home as long as I could, because I could wear my own clothes, take hot baths, walk the floor, and I think it helped me move along easier. When I checked in, it all slowed down because they put you in bed with all of these monitors and cords, and you can't get out of bed without killing yourself on an IV pump. Although, you can get good drugs at the hospital, so it is your call.

If you notice a gush of blood or fluid, it is time to be seen. If your water breaks they like to deliver in 24 hours if possible to prevent infection. Also, sudden loss of blood can indicate an unforseen problem, and baby will need to be monitored then.

I am an Er nurse, but I worked labor and delievery for two years. I sure miss it. Good luck with everything.. God bless.

Answer 5

There is no way to describe contractions but just painful!How far along are you?your little bundle of joy might be ready to say peek a boo.You need to speak to your mid wife if you have one or your doctor.No stressing try meditating and listening to calming music.I'm just wondering if you are dilating because that when the contractions start to hit you.Make sure you time your contractions.If your water breaks go to the doc because infection can set in.In some cases the baby will be in distress and they have to perform a c-section or if the baby is stuck in the canal but that's in extreme emergencies .You'll be fine Keep me posted good luck

Answer 6

I almost can't remember what they felt like (9mths ago) but I remember my stomach getting hard when I was having a contraction and when it was over it would feel like it allways does. If they are the same amount of time aprat they are probably contractions mine started out pretty far apart maybe like 25 mins or so.

Answer 7

Mine feel like cramps from hades, they move from front to back, sometimes feeling like really bad gas or when you have bad diarrhea.

In the beginning the contractions aren't that strong, just relax into them and feel them, practice breathing now so that when they get stronger you aren't taken by surprise.

Once i figured that out, I really enjoyed the birth of my child. Unfortunately it took getting to my fifth live birth to realize that trick! Read about hypnobirthing, I don't know how close you are to birth, but it's awesome.

Answer 8

I am an obgyn nurse and I have had a baby as well...I have had them desribed to me by my patients as light as butterflies in your tummy...and severe as a menstural cramp...If you are 36+ weeks...they might be Braxton Hicks contractions...just false alarms. So...you probably are...but that's okay. Hang in there! I personally didn't have contractions until AFTER my water broke...but it's different for everyone!

Answer 9

Probably Braxton-Hicks contractions... or false labour.

If the contractions become increasingly painful, and longer... and are 5 minutes apart for an hour steady... then phone your doctor.

Answer 10

it is like pressure and you feel the urge to push if you are having contractions lay on a couch and watch your stomach you can see it tighten up if you are having contact ions.it Willl get tight then ease up and count from the time you feel it coming until it start going away and it wil tell you how far apart they are

Answer 11

How far along are you??

Labor pains feel differently from woman to woman and from pregnancy to pregnancy. My labor always felt like really bad menstrual cramps. However, in early labor they felt like diarrhea cramps for a while, and with one pregnancy they were in my back, like a rhythmic back ache.