contractions?

[birdy77]

I can't tell if I'm having contractions or not, it almost feels like the baby is moving but super uncomfortable and tight. A lot of weird feelings in my pelvis. How can you tell what's real, I've had to many scares and I don't want to get to the hospital to late though..

[hannahsmama13721]

Its always good to go to the hospital if you're unsure. Labor and delivery is open 24 hrs and they will see you WAY faster than the er. But to answer your question- my contractions feel like my muscles in my abdomen tightening on their own and they last for like a minute straight. They feel kinda like they're pushing my baby down. But when I first started getting braxton hicks they were in my lower abdomen pretty much the same thing, just not as intense and they went away when I moved around.

[birdy77]

Alright I'll try that I'm just not sure what to time as I'm having difficulties knowing if it's a contraction or not

[wayfunmommy]

I completely understand that. If you start timing them and they are in an even pattern, I would call your doctor at 7 min apart. The typical rule of thumb is 5, but with 5 min apart, you may not make it in time.

[birdy77]

Thank you, I just want to make sure I catch it in time because the roads are crappy and I have a hour drive to the hospital.

[wayfunmommy]

For some people, contractions feel like menstrual cramps.  Other people feel them as pressure in their back and bottom. Others don't feel it as pain, just an uncomfortable tightening.
If you can time them in a pattern for more than an hour, they may be real. It figure it out, change positions. Drink a glass of water. Go soak in a warm bath. A warm bath will either relax you enough to stop them or it will help them along if it's the real thing.

[birdy77]

Bump