How the heck do we know what a contraction feels like

All day I have had this tightening in the center of my belly. It will happen for a few seconds and then release. It is kind of what I thought Braxton Hicks was - but could this possibly be the start of a contraction? They don't hurt though - but are coming pretty frequently.

OR am I just making this up because I want him out.

Re: How the heck do we know what a contraction feels like

sounds like Braxton Hicks to me but hey what do I know

Re: How the heck do we know what a contraction feels like

Is it regular?
Did you start timing them?
Does it stop/becomes irregular when you change position?
Did you drink enough water today?

Re: How the heck do we know what a contraction feels like

Re: How the heck do we know what a contraction feels like

I've been trying to figure out the same thing...I'm hoping that I'll know when true labor is happening?

Re: How the heck do we know what a contraction feels like

Right there with you ladies...I've been wondering the same thing, always just thought I'd know it was a contraction due to the pain/discomfort. Glad I'm not the only one who is unsure

Re: How the heck do we know what a contraction feels like

Re: How the heck do we know what a contraction feels like

Posted by bayla

Posted by johnsae

I've been trying to figure out the same thing...I'm hoping that I'll know when true labor is happening?

i'm with you guys, i think i know what a BH feels like, but i was just telling DH this morning i am not sure if its the baby moving, a contraction, or gas i really think they are contractions but i am also unsure

Re: How the heck do we know what a contraction feels like

YOU'LL KNOW!!!

Re: How the heck do we know what a contraction feels like

Posted by chelle

YOU'LL KNOW!!!

Re: How the heck do we know what a contraction feels like

Posted by chelle

YOU'LL KNOW!!!

Re: How the heck do we know what a contraction feels like

Ok - well I just called Tanaholic and she said that it could be the start of something if it's coming at regular intervals. She said the beginning contractions do not hurt but then it will get much worse as time goes on.

I don't want to get my hopes up because I can imagine that I could feel these for awhile.

Re: How the heck do we know what a contraction feels like

Your body is getting ready!!!! YAHHHH

Re: How the heck do we know what a contraction feels like

BH contractions do not hurt, but that does not mean that this is not the beginning of SOMETHING.

When its labor, they will hurt, come at regular intervals, and no matter WHAT you do, nothing will stop it.

So if you lie down, change positions, drink something, and they are not painful (just tightening), then its not labor. However, if it hurts, even crampy like hurting, and its regular... then you are on your way!

Re: How the heck do we know what a contraction feels like

those are BH's and its the early start of labor.

Re: How the heck do we know what a contraction feels like

They are really coming every couple of minutes or so - but no pain yet. Hopefully this is the start....

BRING IT ON BABY JACK!!!!!

Re: How the heck do we know what a contraction feels like

Is it still just a *tightening*, or are you feeling crampy at all?

This is SO exciting!

Re: How the heck do we know what a contraction feels like

Sounds like Braxton Hicks.

You'll know they're real when they hurt and each one hurts more and more.

Re: How the heck do we know what a contraction feels like

It is still a tightening with me doing a little "ouch" - nothing really painful - just a small uncomfortable feeling right now.

Re: How the heck do we know what a contraction feels like

Its starting its starting its starting!

Go for a walk!!!

Re: How the heck do we know what a contraction feels like

Posted by Mommytimesthree

Its starting its starting its starting!

Go for a walk!!!

Re: How the heck do we know what a contraction feels like

Posted by Diana1215

Posted by Mommytimesthree

Its starting its starting its starting!

Go for a walk!!!

Don't you get my hopes up!!!!

I think I should get myself in gear and start straightening up the house now though - then I will def. take the dog for a walk.

Re: How the heck do we know what a contraction feels like

Posted by smdl

Posted by Diana1215

Posted by Mommytimesthree

Its starting its starting its starting!

Go for a walk!!!

Don't you get my hopes up!!!!

I think I should get myself in gear and start straightening up the house now though - then I will def. take the dog for a walk.

Now... go have sex, have that eggplant parmesan recipe, walk... what else?

Oh... go to the hospital when DH is back home?

Re: How the heck do we know what a contraction feels like

Posted by smdl

Posted by Diana1215

Posted by Mommytimesthree

Its starting its starting its starting!

Go for a walk!!!

Don't you get my hopes up!!!!

I think I should get myself in gear and start straightening up the house now though - then I will def. take the dog for a walk.

Now... go have sex, have that eggplant parmesan recipe, walk... what else?

Oh... go to the hospital when DH is back home?

Re: How the heck do we know what a contraction feels like

BH is just tightening. Your belly will be really hard to touch - like a basketball


I have heard that everyone can start labor differently. For me I woke up with mild/moderate menstrual like cramps. I kind of took note of the time - they were every 10-15 minutes. my Dr told me it would be a couple of days.

the next day they got more frequent and painful (I couldn't sleep more than 6 minutes the next night)

so what I would do if I were you. Note the time they start and the time they end. If they get to 5-6 minutes apart and last about a minute - i think i would call the doctor.

Just remember, when you go to the hospital, you will have to lay down and be strapped to monitors. At home you can walk around and deal with the pain a little more easily.