What do contractions feel like?

[isthisnormal]

Hey ladies, I'm 35 weeks with my first child, and I was wondering if any moms out there could tell me what contractions feel like. While I was loading the dishwasher today, I started to feel a sharp pain behind/to the left of my bellybutton. When I put my hand on my stomach it felt a lot harder than it usually does, but it only lasted for a few seconds. This happened three times for less than ten seconds within a ten minute period. DH wanted to call out of work to stay with me just in case, but I sent him to work anyway. Once he left, I sat down on the couch and the pains stopped, yet in the last few minutes they've started up again. Any comments or info? Thank you!

[Mumita]

real contractions are very painful its like a menstrual pain x500. You'll know when its here.

[sk123]

This Health Page on contractions might be helpful: http://www.medhelp.org/health_pages/Pregnancy/Pregnancy-Symptom-Contractions/show/1055?cid=98

[Charity22]

agree with NicMom. They sound like braxton hicks, if you were having contractions, they would be very painful, you would instinctly know that something was up. If they continue they like NicMom said, call your doctor. :)

[NicMom]

Sounds like braxton hicks contractions. If you drink water, go to the bathroom, lay down and they don't stop then you should call your dr.