Fear of the unknown

[thecher1982]

I'm a FTM, and I'm 33w1d.  I have a huge fear of the unknown, and I'm terrified that I won't know I'm having contractions.  Tonight, I've had a lot of pressure and I'm feeling her move a lot.  I know some women here have said they've had some bleeding,  I haven't had any bleeding but I'm just nervous that when the time comes, I won't know.  What do contractions feel like?  I'm just tired of getting laughed at when I ask that question and them saying "you'll know".

[Victoria0830]

I went in last night bcus I was having bad back pains and they told me i was contracting. I'm 31 weeks and already having Braxton hicks I mean I felt tightening in my stomach before but didn't think much of it. I thought it was just my baby boy putting pressure against me like he's in an odd position. Nope turn out to be I've been having them a lot. They were 9 minutes apart. Thank god I was not dilated though.

[organikagurl]

You know how when your baby gets in a certain position and it's butt is sticking out,  and it's really hard??
My contractions feel like that, only all over, not just in one spot.  LOL and lasts for short period.

[Vins_Girl]

It will probably start more as just a discomfort then as the become more frequent and intense they become more painful, but not everyone has the same feeling with contractions. You may have this pain and pressure in your back mostly, but either way you will be able to time them for the most part

[thecher1982]

Definitely helps, but initially is there pain that accompanies it?  I've heard similar to period cramps, is that accurate?

[Robynnfrick]

The best way i know how to describe concractions is... as if somebody inserted a ballon in your uterus. Every 2 minutes, par say, it gets blown up to maximum capacity,  help blown up for 30 seconds, then releases the air. As they get closer together, they get longer. I hope this makes sense to you.