how am i supposed to know if its contractions?

Question

FTM to be...38 weeks today and im having these tightening and sharp pains throughout my belly and pelvis. Ive never been pregnant before and I have never felt a contraction before but everyone keeps asking me if its contractions and I have no clue!

How am i supposed to tell? Im so tired of everyone saying that I will just know....idk how im supposed to magically know when im having contractions if i dont know what they feel like and im also supposed to time them? How? This pain has been consistent today its not coming and going so theres nothing to time.

Please help!!! Actual descriptions of contractions and not comments about just knowing would be helpful

Answer

Pain they feel like pain

Answer

I'm convinced I won't know either dince I've been having back pain, cramps and tightening but everyone says I'll know. So I'm just sitting here waiting.

Answer

So far i can say not remembering what they felt like 8 years ago with my first, I have been having Braxtons since 20 weeks and period like cramps. But the last three days I have been havimg period like cramps with a tightening of my belly. Which is what a contraction is, they will get more frequent when they are real and not just far apart. They will feel tighter too and increase in pain.

Answer

I am a second time mom (1st was 5years ago) currently 39 weeks and cannot remember what they feel like. I went to the hospital the first time because my water broke so I don't know exactly what they feel like or how to recognize them. I just know I got progressively more uncomfortable but I don't remember a ton of pain until I was like 12hrs into labor.  I've been getting really tight in my tummy and period like cramps and a bad pain in my hips but they never get worse.

Answer

Trust me once you have a contraction you will know. They are not fun.

Answer

It sounds like it could be contractions. Try changing positions, drinking water, eat something, and relax to see if they continue. If they stop then just BH but if they continue, get closer together and more intense it could be the real thing! Im 38 weeks with #2 and still am even unsure if im really in labor or not but its been more regular this morning so i think so! Good luck to you momma :)

Answer

Contractions will start and last for a little and then stop. They won't be a constant.

Answer

BH are usually just a tightening in your belly, real contractions are supposed to be more crampy and wrap around into your lower back and get more intense and painful as they progress.

how am i supposed to know if its contractions?

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