What do contractions feel like?

Question

Hi ladies
To anyone who has already given birth, I'm just wondering how you knew you were in labour? I've been having pretty strong period type pains on and off for a while but only in my lower abdomen/pelvic region. Could these be contractions? I read online that contractions cause pain in the lower back and I don't have lower back pain at the moment...
I'm 39w5 so wondering whether this could be it!
Thanks
S

Answer

Thanks ladies! The pains became really regular later that night and I was in established labour by Weds morning. We had our little girl early this morning!

Answer

My contractions were like muscle spasms. Uncontrollable tightening in my belly & it burnt & cramped so bad.it started in my back but I had a stalled labor so after being dilated to 4 & having normal contractions for 3 days, they finally induced with pitocin & I waited until I was at 6 to get the epidural (5 hours after they started pitocin)

Answer

Felt like a burning tightening sensation to me.

Answer

They will get painful enough that you will definitely know, and regular, however I never had back pain with my first. I have it this time.

Answer

Sounds like it could be early labor.

What do contractions feel like?

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