Everest, I would hear you but not really "get it. The standard way to describe a contraction goes like this: it differs from person to person, but in general, you feel an all-over tightening of your abdomen and pain or cramping that often begins in your lower back and radiates to the front.
The reality is that everyone's experience and description of the sensation is slightly different. Some people say that contractions feel like intense menstrual cramps while others describe lots of pressure and back pain. Personally, I describe a contraction in active labor 6cm and beyond as an all-encompassing kind of pain.
There's the tell-tale belly tightening, but then the sensation is something that is hard to describe other than to say it was so intense, my whole body felt it. There's no way to fully "escape" what's happening, so you just succumb and use your best coping skills.
And when a contraction is over, the pain relief is immediate and complete! Overall, the experience for me was intense but manageable. I could handle it as long as I was free to move and do what I needed to cope.
When I was unable to move around, the pain felt more than intense and very much unmanageable. For example, the car ride to the hospital was not ok. But don't take just my word for it. Below, you'll find out how nine other people describe a contraction. When I was in labor for my first child, I remember finally deciding to get the epidural and when the medicine started to work, it only worked for half of my body.
One side was bearable while the other side felt like it was being squeezed and twisted as far as it would go. I couldn't believe the difference. I would have preferred to have all or nothing! Also, having had three kids now, I will say that the difference between contractions with and without Pitocin is night and day.
I know they say they start in your back, but I felt like mine started everywhere at the same time. With my first, they were the textbook example of a contraction.
The pain started at my sides and worked it's way to the middle of my stomach. They started out like pretty mild menstrual cramps and then became completely unbearable. With my second labor, I suffered from pubic symphysis dysfunction and all of my contractions started in my lower back and moved to the front of my lower abdomen and into my pubic bone. They were really severe very quickly after my water broke. And with every single one I felt the urge to push. Of course, the doctors and nurses told me not to since I was only 4 cm dilated!
I labored for 36 hours! I now wonder if I should have listened to my body and pushed a little it would have went faster. Who knows. Labor is a funny thing. Braxton Hicks contractions can feel like a cramp to some women, and sometimes they get really uncomfortable, where you have to pause and catch your breath.
The main difference between these practice contractions and real labor contractions is that Braxton Hicks go away—usually when you change positions, rest or drink a couple glasses of water. Ah, back labor. These little devils are really painful. Moving into different positions could ease some of the pain. Try walking, squatting, lunging, sitting on a ball or doing pelvic tilts. What Do Contractions Feel Like?
Contractions are a major part of labor. Here's info how to know if they're real and what they feel like. Babylist editors love baby gear and independently curate their favorite products to share with you.
If you buy something through links on our site, Babylist may earn a commission. Contractions are a normal part of pregnancy and occur when the uterine muscle tightens and flexes, just like flexing any other muscle.
In the end, uterine muscle contractions are what will help you in labor, pushing your baby down the birth canal and out into the world woohoo! But to many, decoding the activity of the uterine muscle can be confusing, especially when it comes to the telling the difference between non-labor and labor contractions.
Even within those categories, there are still different types of contractions to prepare for. They are totally normal and usually start in the second trimester. Often you will feel a quick hardening or tightening of the uterus, usually felt in the front. Dehydration or exertion can bring them on. You may feel more of them at night , especially after a long day. Just a gentle reminder again, these little twinges are normal and no reason to grab the hospital bag and run out the door.
These contractions may be slightly uncomfortable and feel like mild to moderate menstrual cramps. You may be able to sleep or do other activities while experiencing them. When you are in early labor, you should aim to stay home as long as possible.
Ask your partner to help you create a space to rest through early labor, with low lights and a calm vibe. Things are picking up in active labor, with contractions coming closer together, from about minutes apart and lasting around 30 seconds to a minute.
This is usually when your doctor or midwife suggests it is a good time to head to your chosen place of birth—when contractions are strong, regular, and progressing getting closer together.
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