FTM, will I KNOW when I have contractions?

Question

I’m 33 weeks and 3 days and work a very stressful job, I’ve noticed today that I’ve had a few period like cramps and my stomach will get hard and hurt. I know about BH but just wondering if when contractions start is it something unmistakable?

Answer

It's like period cramps but 9000x worse. 
BH is the tightening practice contractions and are/should be painless.

Answer

Yes, you will know. It will start mild and get progressively stronger and, eventually,  come in 'waves.'

Answer

You will definitely know. When they hit you and are true contractions, you will have trouble walking and talking through them. They will stop your train of thought.

Answer

I really hated when people would say “oh you’ll know when you have contractions” because how was I supposed to recognize something I’ve never experienced? But when real contractions hit, OMG were they obvious. The pain was unreal. Your body is literally trying to squeeze a watermelon out of a bagel hole, and you can feel it.

Answer

Not everyone is aware when they’re in established labour but most are. You can expect to perhaps have some BH or even false labour. You’ll know it it’s real labour because the contractions will become regular and they’ll get stronger and closer together. When you notice they’re not stopping, start timing them. When they’re 2-3 minutes apart it’s time to call your midwife/doctor and head to where you’re planning to give birth :) x

Answer

Not necessarily. I went into active labor at 30 weeks and didn't feel a thing even tho I was dialating. Luckily doctors were able to stop the labor and i had my baby 2 days before my due date.

Answer

I’m in the same boat at 31 weeks I’ve had period cramping back aching and stomach hardening but was told it’s nothing to worry about.  From what I’m told, contractions are an all around feeling that is tight and then releases and happens frequently, not randomly (like mine).  Stomach hardening in the 3rd trimester is supposedly normal.  Try to time them and write down their exact location, look for spotting or leaking, and I think also pelvic pressure.

Answer

At first I just thought I had to use the bathroom and couldn't.  After an hour I realized they were contractions.  Had I not been 40+3 I'm not sure I would've figured it out until they started hurting.  My labor progressed quickly and two hours after the first contraction I was at the hospital and 7cms.

FTM, will I KNOW when I have contractions?

Let’s Glow

Glow is here for you on your path to pregnancy

25+ million

4.8 stars

20+

Getting Pregnant

Pregnancy

1st Year (Baby & You)

Baby Products