Is there a difference between feeling crampy and a contraction?

Question

I have no clue what I’m doing here but today my lower back hurt really bad. I was sitting a lot though because I was feeling crampy. The crampy feeling came and went throughout the day. Now, I’m laying in bed and I still feel crampy. Is there a difference between that and an actual contraction? FTM so I have zero clue what to expect.

Answer

Me too! I just said to my husband that something is happening but I don’t know what. Also my pelvis feels like it’s trying to detach from my body it aches so badly.

Answer

Second time mom 37.5 today and I've had lower back pain and cramps (almost period like) not unbearable but uncomfortable in my stomach and legs occasionally.  I never felt any contractions with my first (or knew what to look for) but anyways went in today to get checked and found out I have been having contractions and am 2cm dilated today! So it may be contractions if you haven't yet ask your doc to check you! My contractions showed up during my stress test! Not what i thought they would feel like but good to know

Answer

Early contractions just feel crampy, but active labor contractions are stronger and tighten your belly you can feel them in you back, thighs, hips. Even though this is the first time you will not mistake the real ones.

Answer

There was a difference for me. I would have a painful contraction followed by cramps (period-like) before my next contraction.

Answer

To me that is exactly what contractions felt like. More of a crampy feeling and eventually a tighting in my belly feeling like baby may be balling up or moving.  I went halfway through active labor just thinking it was not contractions.

Is there a difference between feeling crampy and a contraction?

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