Contractions?

Question

If you’re a seasoned mom that previously went into labor naturally, please answer. With my first, I was induced so I don’t know what to expect. 
I’ve been having waves of menstrual cramps and back pain all night and this morning but haven’t noticed tightening with it. Some have been pretty uncomfortable. Would this be considered an early labor contraction? I will call my doc when they open.

Answer

I didn't feel a tightening with any of mine. Just awful cramps. Time them. Don't go in until they're 5 minutes apart, 1 minute long for at least an hour. Download a contraction timer app to help. Good luck!

Answer

Third time mom here, with my first two there was definite tightening and a feeling of pain ALL throughout my stomach and around the back. Biggest sign it was the real deal was the distinct starting and stopping. It was the strangest thing to be brought to tears over the pain then have it completely stop for a few minutes, then start all over again.

Answer

I totally know what you mean. I was also induced with my first and only experienced back labor (thanks pitocin) so with baby #2 I felt like a first time mom again. I had prodromal labor for the last 3.5 weeks of pregnancy. My doula kept telling me when the contractions were for the real thing I would know the difference, but honestly I did not. The only thing that was different was that as we were leaving for the hospital I started getting waves of nausea with each contraction, and in retrospect I was probably already in transition then since I was 10cm when we arrived. That being said, with contractions you definitely feel tightening with them in addition to the cramping. Sometimes the tightening is pretty mild though, so have you tried timing? Also how far along are you? Increased Braxton Hicks is totally normal as you get closer to due date

Answer

With no tightening, I’d say no. Just normal stretching/irritation. 
With my last (first was planned c-section) the tightening happened first and than the pain got more intense. 
Though every pregnancy is different too, so who knows. I’d just watch for a pattern to start to develop. Until then, none of it really means anything. 
Good luck!

Contractions?

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