can you have contractions

[mamaMcAnulty]

Even if your not dilated or effaced? I lost a few pieces of my mucus plug over the weekend. And been having cramps like my periods coming and it goes into my back. I am not one to count but they last about 15 seconds which isnt long at all but they happen quite often. People keep saying that's contractions.. but how if no dilation yet? All i know is it freakin hurts lol

[jtrasky]

My belly gets super hard when it tightens and I can actually see the outline of my little guy. It's very uncomfortable and my belly becomes super lumpy.

[Tabbie12]

When I get them I feel the tightening, kinda like baby is stretching or balling up.

[mamaMcAnulty]

@tabbie12 ya I dont know if its tightening or not would I actually feel it tighten?

[mamaMcAnulty]

K @hannahJohnson ill be looking forward to hearing from you.

[mamaMcAnulty]

Ugh!!! Thank u ladies.. Hopefully im beginning to dilate. But in general ya the period like cramps and back pain mixed seriously ***** lol!!!!

[HannahJohnson]

I've definitely been having contractions and I havent dilated. I havent been checked in two weeks and Im getting checked today... Ill let you know what they say!

[Tabbie12]

If you're having crampa while your belly gets hard, chances are they are contractions. BH aren't associated with pain.. But you can also have cramps without contracting, just like you can contract without dilating, especially if your body isn't ready. But fingers crossed that your starting to progress!!! :)

[kennimae]

I would say contractions as well. I was having some this morning for 2.5 hours for 30 seconds to a minute between 2-8 minutes apart. Fun stuff.

[jtrasky]

Yeah I've been having them too. It can be that you're starting to dialate... Hopefully! Mine have been lasting about a minute but aren't constant and only a few times every few hours. They are like a dull back ache and period cramp. Braxton hicks usually aren't aassociated with pain so I'd say you're having contractions.

[mamaMcAnulty]

@tabbie12
Ohhh lol... so when people say the cramping pain is really contractions they arent lying lol? Im  a ftm and apparently I need to listen to others

[Tabbie12]

Yes you can. I was 1cm at my 37 week appointment and cramped and had contractions and at NY 38 week no progress what so ever. I'm now 39 and hoping for some on Wednesday