Contractions??

[lizbethvv03]

I am almost 36 weeks pregnant and this is my first and I was wondering what contractions feel like.... I think I may be having some but I am not sure!

[30something13]

Well they feel like waves that start in your sides then move to the front or start low in the front then move around and up your belly. Now how to gage contractions. Touch the tip of your nose. Your belly will feel like this with and easy contraction. Now touch your chin, your belly will feel like this with a mild contraction. Now touch your forhead, your belly will feel like this with a good hard contraction. Braxton hicks can vary and you may feel them or you may not. Sometimes contractions feel like mentsrual cramps. WHen you are in early labor you may have contractions that come and go for a week or two and may or may not be timable. You will be able to be distracted at this point. Do not go to the hospital at this point for it is to early. WHen your dememnor has changed and you feel more anxious, can not be distracted, really needing somthing but you may not know what then you are in active labor and are 5-6cm dialated hopefully. This may not be the case if you do not ahve a high pain tolerance and especially with your first as you will not know what to expect. But no matter what when your contractions have picked up speed and not gone away for SEVERAL hours and your demenor is as described then it is time to go to the hospital. If you think you might be having contractions or braxton hicks contractions take this time to think about them and practice for labor. Relax on some and breath and others distract yourself and ppractice different positions and see what the position does to the contraction. Make it harder or ease it. THis is best to do now aas you will be at home and not hocked up to iv's etc... Best of luck and I hope this has answered your questions. Any Ina May Gaskins books about labor will help you understand what your body is doing so you do not have the fight or flight fear that can slow labor and make it more painful.

[Ashelen]

It feels like you're doing a crunch using only your stomach muscles....or it feels like you're tightening a belt around your belly from the back. It can be sharp and painful, or it can just be a lot of pressure, generally radiating from your mid-back, down across to the lower-mid part of your belly. after awhile, you'll be able to see your belly harden if it really is contractions. If you think you are having them, call your doctor and they will advise you. Good luck!!!