What does a contraction feel like?

Question

Can you still feel the baby move?  I have no idea what to time!  Just the pain when it comes?

Answer

I thought the whole "you'll know" thing was bullshit, but it's true. You will definitely know when you start having contractions, but you don't need to start timing them until they become regular. It's best to ignore early labor contractions and just try to rest when they start. 
For reference though: I've been experiencing prodromal labor for about 5 days and those contractions were VERY irregular and not super painful, more uncomfortable... like period or gas pain, didn't last too long, and were pretty bearable (usually subsiding when I changed position, walked around, or bounced on my birthing ball), and mostly at night when oxytocin levels are naturally the highest. 
Yesterday afternoon though, my water broke and I started having contractions. Still VERY irregular, but a bit more painful. Still bearable, but I would compare the pain to being severely backed up, if you know what I mean. Or super intense period pain that kind of let's up a little when you move, but not much. Like, as much as I can handle the pain, the knee-jerk reaction for me is shooting up (I've been laying down/sleeping  when I can) and attempting to stretch my body as much as I can to relieve pressure. Or as I put it to my fiance, trying to crawl out of my skin because it's just so uncomfortable... it's hard to know what to do so you just do whatever you think you can. 😩😅 
But seriously, you will know.

Answer

My first they started in my belly. It came in almost like muscle waves. They started from the stop and literally scrunched (you can see your belly tighten) and then pushed down and out. Then they switched to back labor and that felt like the most intense and painful hugs I’ve ever had before. They then radiated down into my butt and thighs in the same motion that my belly labor was happening. Back labor was the worst in my opinion. My second baby was induced and it felt like a vice being put on me that then worked it’s tension down my body.

Answer

I literally just answered this question so I screenshot my answer so I didnt have to type it again.

Answer

Mmm... with my first I had bad cramping that I couldn't lay down for. The only thing that made it feel better was the shower. When I noticed it coming then going that was the indicator that i needed to time them. Get a contraction counter app. Know that every contraction isn't gonna be exact in length/ time you're looking at overall average over an hour.

Answer

I’m a first time mom, but from what I’ve ready contractions will start in your back and go around to your stomach and you can still feel kicks from babe 🤷🏼‍♀️👶🏼

What does a contraction feel like?

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