I don't know what contractions feel like?

Question

I am 36 weeks pregnant and everytime I go to the doctors now, they ask me if I have had any.... I don't know! This is my first baby, and I haven't had any pains or anything, so maybe I am not having them, I know that alot of people get those BH contractions, but I am not sure what they even feel like. If I have had anything at all, I can't tell, because I guess you feel like your muscles are tightening up, but I can't tell if its just the baby pushing up against my skin or what. Any hints to how i will know?

Answer 1

When it feel like the baby is curled up in a ball and your belly gets real hard without pains those are the BH contractions. You will know when you have real contractions. I had no warning that I was going into labor. I just started feeling sharp knife stabbing pains in my uterus when I was walking and I had to slow down during the pains. When I got home from my walk I went into labor and had my baby 7 hours later.....The only hint I can give you is.....You will know. I tried to labor as much as I could at home, but as soon as tears started flowing and I couldn't focus or talk through the contractions we left for the hospital. It hurts, but as soon as that baby is out you will not even remember the pain or even think about it. Good Luck!

Answer 2

Your stomach will feel as hard as a rock. I have been getting bh since i was 20 weeks I am now 39 weeks. You will feel your stomach tightening up. Bh can last as long as 8 min your whole stomach being tight. Real contractions onll last 60 to 90 seconds and feel crampy and tightening.

Answer 3

I felt the same way, never had true BH that I knew of. Everyone said contractions felt like period cramps, once in labor I realized that they don't. The uterus is a muscle that doesn't otherwise contract, so it feels like pulling, tightening, cramping, but in a way you've never felt. I agree with the others that you will definitely know when it's the real thing.

Answer 4

it can feel like your muscles tightening, like the baby is "rolling up in a ball" or like period cramps. For me I had bad back labor, and when I started having contractions I had no idea. I was at my mom's house making dinner and I would stop every few minutes because my back hurt really bad, but then it would be ok again so I'd keep cooking. My mom finally figured out what was going on and told me I was having contractions, I was like "oh are you serious?"

Answer 5

When you have one, you'll be able to tell. It's a little indescribable. I thought I was having some... but then when the real thing came... I knew. Even Braxton Hicks are very recognizable when you get them. Your whole stomach will become hard... as hard as a basketball.. your abdomen muscles will feel tight, almost like you were doing a sittup and flexing.

Answer 6

the best thing I can say is you'll know the difference. It feels like muscles tightening. Your back might hurt a lot! I don't mean to scare you, but it can be very, very, very, very painful

Answer 7

you will know if you are having contractions because it's like nothing you've ever experienced your stomach will get very hard or you may have back labor. The doctor. can put you on monitor and tell if you are having contractions

Answer 8

I got up to 38 weeks with no contractions.

I had one before they did the cesarean. It feels like a strong cramp.

I just told the doc that I didn't know if I had had one or not.

Answer 9

If you have to ask still ask as to what they are and what to expect then you haven't had them yet.You will know believe me they hurt.But good luck and congrats the pain doesn't last forever and you receive the most rewarding award for making through.

Answer 10

So you simply tell the doctor that you aren't sure and tell him/her what you HAVE been feeling. They can make a determination as well as tell you what it is exactly what you are feeling...(a little common sense goes a very long way)