what are contractions exactly?

[summalove]

Im a new mommy to bee im 6 month and 1 day, so how do i know wen im having a contraction, does it feel like a horrible cramp, or is it a different feeling. I feel scared because wat if i dont no if im having a contraction wen im sleepin, walking or doing watever & wen they say like oh my contractions are 10 mins apart does that mean they get a horrible cramp every 10 mins?

[amabdadoyle1322]

I just hope my water breaks so I don't doubt at all.

[Kelseymichelle]

I have read that they are an abdominal pain with tightening of the uterus. It said you can put your finger outside your uterus and actually feel the difference when it's contracting and when it's not! (Ftm as well, never had contractions before)

[LadyBeeley]

No a contraction has the ability to be tightening and a low dull radiating pain while all at the same time it knocks the wind out of you. You will know.

[amabdadoyle1322]

I was wondering the same thing lastnight! Ftm and I had cramping like period cramps last night and I was questioning if they were contractions cause I had no hardening of the stomach so idk I'm lost too! I just hope I know lol I'm 38w 4 days.

[aeris84]

I had the same fear when I was pregnant with my first. I was worried that I wouldn't be able to tell a real contraction from a cramp or Braxton Hicks... But at 5am, I woke up from a deep sleep slapping my husband saying "It's time". He actually said "Are you sure?".. I gave him a death stare, and he didn't argue anymore.. LOL.. Had my first baby boy 9 hours later.
So, what I'm trying to say is that you WILL know when it happens. There is no mistaking them.. ;)

[luvs2cr8]

10 Minutes Apart Is From The Start Of One ConTraction To StaRt Of Next. If You Have A Low Tolerance For Pain Don't Take AnythingUntil You Go To Hospital So They Can Give You Meds Without Worry Of What's Already In Your System

[luvs2cr8]

Sorry About Typing. Phone Being Stupid

[luvs2cr8]

I Just Had My First Baby A Month Ago AnD Thought The SaMe Thing. When I Did Go Into Labor And Had ConTractioS I Knew What They Were. Mine Felt LikePeriod Cramps And They Keep Getting Stronger And Closer Together. Everyone SaysThis But You Really Will Know, And You're Going To Get Sick Of Hearing That Lol. And, First Baby So Don't Be ALarmed If You Go Late. IWent A Week Over. Enjoy Being Pregnant :)