So, I have crazy heavy periods with extreme pain and clots... for about 4 or 5 hours on the heaviest day, I have awful pains that feel like, to me (without ever being in labor) what I guess contractions feel like, on a mild level. I get the urge to push and if I am in the shower I can efficiently bear down and push out a clot. I am in tune with all the differently feelings and types of cramping pain... back pain and a feeling of widening down there.

I am often told by family and close friends that childbirth will be a a lot easier for me because I know a bit of what to expect.

I'm wondering if anyone else has similar periods and can tell me if they found labor to be easier or was it crazy worse?