stupid question I know, but what do contractions feel like?

Question

that is my biggest worry, I'll be in labor and not know it, and have the baby on the floor of walmart. So my question is, what do contractions exactly feel like? I've heard bad period cramps, but.. I want a more specific answer. Thanks

Answer 1

It's not a stupid question and that was my biggest fear too. I had heard tonnes of stories of women not knowing they were in labour until an exam or they gave birth.

If will say if you are in tune with your body you will just know. Seriously. I know that doesn't help, because you don't believe it, but it is true. No one can really tell you what contractions feel like as it is different for everyone.

Answer 2

What Contractions Feel Like

Many mothers describe contractions that occur in early labor as similar to menstrual cramps, or as severe gas pains, which may be confused with flu symptoms or intestinal disorders. Imagine your contractions as looking like a wave. Each contraction will gradually gain in intensity until the contraction peaks, then slowly subside and go away. As your body does the work of labor, it is likely that the time in between contractions will become shorter.

As the strength of each contraction increases, the peaks will come sooner and last longer. There should be some regularity or pattern when timed. Persistent contractions that have no rhythm but are five-to-seven minutes apart or less should be reported to your physician or midwife

Answer 3

Jennifer, don't you worry about a thing! You will know, I promise!!! Funny thing, we were granted this gift of not being able to remember EXACTLY, how they felt, and thank God for that, or we'd never have a second, now would we? That is why everyone tells you they feel like period cramps only 10 times more at first, and 100 times more when in full blown labor. I have had 5 babies, and I'll tell you sometimes the beginning of labor feels like you need to take a movement real bad but nothing happens. But never have I dropped one out on the floor of Walmart. Good luck to you and your new baby. and don't let this worry you. You'll be fine.

Answer 4

i worry about the same thing bcus i'v been having contractions but don't feel them until they are trailing off. I heard they feel like menstrual cramps but i've never had cramps during my periods. But my doctor says when you go into labor, and you start having real contractions you'll know, you won't be able to walk without being in pain, and they'll hurt so bad you'll start tearing. So I'm going on that. You'll know it's labor bcus you'll have 6 or more contractions in an hour. even if you start to have contraction early like i am, they are labor contractions when they are closer together and more intense.

Answer 5

Severe CRAMPS...
The way a contraction feels is different for each woman and may feel different from one pregnancy to the next. Labor contractions cause discomfort or a dull ache in your back and lower abdomen, along with pressure in the pelvis. Some women may also feel pain in their sides and thighs. Some women describe contractions as strong menstrual cramps, while others describe them as strong waves that feel like diarrhea cramps.

Contractions come at regular intervals and last about 30-70 seconds. As time goes on, they get closer together.
Contractions steadily increase in strength.
Contractions usually start in the lower back and move to the front of the abdomen

Answer 6

They start in the back and wrap around. They may BEGIN by feeling like menstrual cramps...even bad ones, but you should go to the hospital when they're bad enough that you have some trouble talking through them. Believe me honey...when you have the real thing, you'll know it. They don't give epidurals for menstrual cramps.

I definitely don't want to scare you by making it sound like you'll feel like dying or anything. That's not the case, and people who tell you that were probably just scared when they went into labor. The way you handle them depends a LOT on your own mindset at the time. They hurt, there's no doubt...but just remember...they WILL come to an end. There IS a light at the end of the tunnel. You know those breathing techniques they show you? (Deep breath with a slow exhale for second stage, and the panting thing for third?)...well, YOU do which ever one helps, at which ever stage you're in. The biggest thing is to remain relaxed in your head.

Barring any very weird circumstances...you will definitely not deliver in Wal-mart. Congrats on your pending arrival!!!

Answer 7

Extreme pain like something large is trying to get out of a very cramped place. Don' t worry - you will know you are in labor it will be really painful and really pressureful. You will be unable to do much more than work through them - luckily when the baby arrives you quickly feel better!

Answer 8

You will know it when you go into labor. I experienced cramping that went around into the lower part of my back. It was a gnawing feeling with some intervals of some sharp pain. Try not to worry. Stay calm and breath.

Answer 9

Well I just had a baby like 9 months ago.. And contractions are not that good... They hurt like cramps but a lil worst. The cramping will be around your bones DOWN THERE and up to your back. I think it hurt worst pushing my baby out then contractions.. And I had my baby natuarly with no medicines...

Answer 10

It can feel like a Boa constricter squeezing your stomach, you can have severe back aches, severe pressure in your peri area. If you've never been through it, you have no idea what to expect, but...once it starts you will know it. Only the lucky few, have their baby on the floor in Walmart and not know they were in labor.