How did you know?

Question

How did you know when you were in labor? I've been having this tightening  in my stomach and sharp pain in my abdominal area. Don't know if maybe this is just my Braxton hicks and they are just worse then they were or if I'm having actual contractions. Please help.

Answer

I never had Braxton hicks. I knew I was in labor after my second contraction.

Answer

Honestly I didn't know I was in labor until my husband made me go to the hospital and they told me it was happening every 3-5 minutes. It felt like one huge period cramp. I never got the "tighting " feeling everyone says happens. But it is true that once it starts you know. I was 6cm by the time I went in bc I told my husband I didn't want to get sent home again and only be dilated 3cm ( we went the previous day bc I had high blood pressure and was only 1cm) my labor stared at 3am and I went in at 4pm. They didn't get really bad until I was 8cm and that was around 12 am that night/next morning. I delivered 7:16am.

Answer

Drink some water and change position. Braxton Hicks have no pattern to them and usually stop after a few minutes. If they don't stop and have a clear pattern it could be early labor.

Answer

You'll know a contraction. Tightening and sharp pains are normal. It's usually just your uterus and cervix makin adjustments for birth. Maybe the baby is moving further down? I'm not a doctor but by all means you'll know a contraction.

How did you know?

Let's Glow!

The Top Baby Tracker App: Embrace New Beginnings with Tender Care

The Top Fertility Tracker App: Your Path to Achieving Pregnancy

The Top Pregnancy App: Nurturing Your Journey to Motherhood

The Top Period Tracker for Empowering Your Menstrual Health Journey