What do contractions feel like in a non-induced labour?

[whenskiesaregrey]

I am currently 39+6 with DC2. With DC1 I ended up being induced at 40+12. The pain I felt throughout that labour was all in my bum, like really really bad constipation pains, and I don't remember any sensation over my bump. Labour was pretty intense, going on the drip at 9:30am and delivering my son at 1:30pm, with 45 mins of pushing. From the second I went on the drip, it was like I had a red hot poker up my arse, constantly for the next 3 hours.

Anyway, last night, I was woken up at 4am with similar pains. Only lasted a minute or so. Then same again 10 mins later, and another one an hour after that. And that was it.

Is this just how I feel contractions?! Does my body just not feel the tightenings on my bump, and my contractions are these (literal) pains in the arse? I get BH, they are not painful, but make me a bit breathless, and are quite strong. I don't know whether the sensations of my first labour were down to the induction, or whether that is where I feel all the pressure, and subsequent pain. Basically, I am just wondering what to look out for!

Mine all (3 babies) felt like period pains, sort of low down at the front and grumbly, geting stronger and more painful as it went on.

I think if babies are back to back you are more likely to feel the pain in your back, not sure about in your bum though. Everyone is different and so is every baby so your labour might be the same or completley different. Sorry, I'm no help at all am I?

Congratulations on your pg and good luck with labour whenever it does begin!

Thank you, and thank you for your reply. I have a suspicion baby is back to back at the moment, but not sure about DC1.

My first must have been back to back then cause I kept saying I felt like my back was snapping on half !