Moms: What do labor pains feel like?

tarmar81

Since 7am this morning, I've been having what feels like intense gas pains (and sometimes like menstrual cramps) coupled with lower back pain.  I've sometimes heard the pain of contractions as being similar to this.

However, I've had contractions for the last 14 weeks, sometimes more than 6 an hour.  (Apparently I have an "irritable uterus.")  Some doctors might call them Braxton Hicks but my perinatologist and midwives just kind of call a contraction a contraction no matter what it is.  Those contractions don't hurt.  My stomach just balls up really tight and I can almost see the shape of the baby when they happen.

So, to me, contractions and cramping are two distinct things. I have no idea what I'm feeling.  A friend of mine is actually part of the midwives practice I see, and she said I'm just going to have to wait it out because eventually I'll have no question of when I'm in labor.  Out of curiosity though, I'd be interested in knowing how some of you mommies would describe the pain.

 

mz_zane

What you're describing sounds like contractions  Contractions are literally the tightening of the muscles to help push baby down, which is why your tummy gets all tight.  The big difference between actual labor contractions and braxton hicks are the increase in intensity and consistency.  I'm trying to remember the rule my midwife gave as to when you should go to the hospital....I think its like when contractions get to be 4-5 mins apart, that means it time for hospital.

amelianguy

They feel like cramps at first and then they gradually get worse. I am believing you are having contractions. BH contractions aren't painful, but real labor pains are.

Me thinks you are in labor, friend!

Get on out here, Baby C!

tarmar81

I guess I'm just confused because the cramping hurts, but the contractions/tightening of my stomach occur separately and don't hurt.  Maybe I'm a medical anomaly. 

If my water doesn't break first, my midwives want me to come in when I hit the 4-1-1 rule. (Contractions occurring 4 minutes apart, lasting one minute, and going on for an hour.)  I'm sure I'll know without a doubt when I'm getting to that point, but right now, I have no idea if I'm in early/latent labor or not. I'm definitely having pains like I've never had before, but I suppose it could be the baby's position or something. 

amelianguy

It really, really sounds like early labor. You just aren't to the active labor stage yet so it's not as intense. There's no need to call the midwife yet or anything, it coul be another day before you get to active labor. But the end, it is near.

tarmar81

amelianguy:

It really, really sounds like early labor. You just aren't to the active labor stage yet so it's not as intense. There's no need to call the midwife yet or anything, it coul be another day before you get to active labor. But the end, it is near.

THANK GOD! 

billyandsara

Sounds like contractions. With T I was almost 5 cm and having regular contractions and couldn't feel a thing. The only time I felt my contractions was when they had me get up and walk around and for about an hr right before I pushed. From what I could feel it felt like intense period cramps with bad lower back pain.

tarmar81

I think this is it, for real now. The cramps are anywhere from 5 - 15 minutes apart and come with some pretty nasty low back pain. I'm home now because I made Craig pick me up from work.  Just waiting to see if it continues.  This better not be a false alarm! (Don't say anything on Facebook though, just in case.)

YouandMe912

Good luck! Even if you aren't progressing very quickly, the hospital may just admit you and help you get going (like by breaking your water). Can't wait for updates!