So what do labor contractions feel like?

Question

I'm 40 weeks and 1 day FTM and at this point I don't even know what I'm supposed to feel in terms of contractions. 
I feel fine with a few period like cramps here and there but nothing unbearable. I think those are my contractions but Everytime I go to doctor, they say I'm not contracting, not dilated, cervix is shut, etc... No signs of labor ever... I don't even know what Braxton hicks feel like at this point...

I just don't know what I'm supposed to be feeling or looking for? What do real contractions feel like? Please describe

Answer

Since I'm laboring this moment, maybe I can help. The pain starts in my front lower abdomen. It feels like a tightening and stretching all at once, like your muscles are seizing. It reaches its way over your hips all the way back and wraps it's burning fingers around your spine and holds you there for what feels like years but in reality the worst part of the contraction is maybe 20-30 seconds before it slowly uncurls itself and fades back into a mist and disappears. You will know, I promise, but maybe that will help you to be certain.

Answer

The only thing I can say is you will know... The slight Pains etc are probably braxton hicks. When real contractions start they will take your breath away. I went bright red every time I contracted x

Answer

It reminded me of a leg cramp but in your abdomen,  you can feel it start and then it gets more intense moves across your belly and then fades away again. They get closer together, more intense and more regular if its true labor (I have not felt any Braxton hicks with either of my pregnancies)

Answer

I've been going weekly for non stress tests and I can't even feel most of my Braxton hicks. And the ones I do feel only feel like menstrual cramps. Not bad at all. All the nurses have told me I will definitely know the difference when the true labor pains start!

Answer

I never felt any Braxton hicks with my first. Never went past 1 cm. Wound up being induced just shy of 42 weeks. Just means your baby is comfy! ♡

Answer

Feels like bad period cramps that get really intense epidural helped me so much , I didn't feel any pain only pressure and labor went by so fast

Answer

Painful!! It fell like someone taking pliers and twisting your insides..

So what do labor contractions feel like?

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