need quick answers please

[Roz1977]

Hey girls im 39 weeks preg and wondering where you feel the contractions most and how long each one approx lasts...im feeling bad pains in my stomach but its more on the top of my belly...i feel like contractions would be lower. It feels really tight and hurts when i breath in.
thank you

[babypooh]

My contractions started on my lower back and it was PAINFUL!!! But very well worth it!!!!! Good luck, honey! Best wishes!

[Roz1977]

Thank you girls you were all a help...i think it was a false alarm!!!! at least i know what to expect.

[Hope2OneDay]

Real labor contractions will usually cause you to have pain in your lower back. The pain will radiate from your back all the way around to your abdomen, and your stomach will tighten up as they do with Braxton Hicks. Believe me, people always said that you'd KNOW if it were real labor...and they were right. The pain will not go away no matter what position you get in, and it only gets worse. The back pain is unlike the usual back pain of just "carrying a heavy load"...and combined with the pain in your abdomen, you can't mistake it!

Good luck!

[findinghumility]

I think it's common for them to start around 15 minutes apart give or take.  But that is different with every woman.  One thing they say is if they seem to be regular or if they are irregular, take a warm bath and if they keep going or get stronger it could be labor.  That being said I had some braxton hicks (practice contractions) that were regular, but not nearly strong enough to be labor. Like the last poster said, drink a glass of water and lay down.  Or take a warm bath and see what happens.  Good luck!

[Roz1977]

Thats what it feels like a bad stomach ache, i just dont know if its something i ate. do you know how far apart the first ones usually are? thank you so much!

[cminamyer]

I though contractions would be lower also, but when I had mine it's more on your stomach.  Like you've got a really bad stomach ache.  When you have these pains, put your hand on your tummy and feel if it's hard, like your flexing your muscles.  When you feel one coming on watch the clock and see how long it lasts and what time it started, then clock when the next one starts.  Your in true labor when your contractions last about a min and are about 5 mins apart from the start of one to the start of the next and nothing you do can stop them.  You should try to drink a glass of water and lay down on your left side, if they keep on coming, get stronger and closer then congrats!  I hope this is it for you Good Luck!