37 weeks & 4 days

[farrahlynn]

I'm a first time mom and this is my first pregnancy. But I really would like someone to explain to me everything I should know about contractions. As far as how to calculate what they feel like etc.. due date 2.28.14

[nessa1924]

Yeah I have a question I been feeling like I have period cramps does that mean anything at all? 36 weeks

[Lozza0412]

Aww we have the same due date. :) contractions usually start by feeling like period pains like a dull cramping feeling. They can be totally irregular. But as early labor progresses contractions become more and more regular ie there is a pattern to them. They grow in intensity,  length and pain. The distance between them gets shorter and shorter. I have downloaded a contraction counde app so that when the time comes and you start getting contrsctions you can record them to tell ur midwife.

[pooklet123]

Ok, contractions feel different for everyone, some people sleep through them until transition.  Some people deliver in their toilet thinking they just had tohave a bm.  
The rule of thumb midwives use is 4-1-1, 4 minutes apart finish to start, lasting one minute, for 1 hour.  That's active labor, going in sooner just means you're stuck in a hospital for who knows how long, or even sent home.
I can sleep through pretty painful false labor.

[CameronsMommy2014]

My midwife told me that with first babies head to the hospital when their 3-4 minutes apart. I was having contractions earlier today, it starts out as a soft cramp feeling & then it increases & its hurts more. My mom has always told me that when its to the point of where you just wanna cry your eyes out, head to the L&D.