Can you describe your contractions?

[Itsaplayonwords]

How would you describe your contractions? How did they start out? How did they feel right before delivery? And anywhere in between?

For me, they started out like period pains. Then the waves of period pain type sensation get stronger and stronger, until I had 3 that were just overwhelming and I felt I couldn't cope any more. Then they stopped, and the 'expulsion' contractions started - these were totally different and felt almost like when you vomit and your whole body is overtaken by the sensation. But obviously 'down there'! Gas and air helped the 'thinning' period pain type contractions, but was just distracting for the 'expulsion' ones. Right before delivery it felt like my fanny was vomiting the baby. Hope that helps!

I had a week of back ache & period pain before anything properly kicked in. Then it was like being whacked across the kidneys with a baseball bat whilst simultaneously being kicked in the fanny.
disclaimer very ineffective back to back labour resulting in emcs

Thank you both for your responses. I have been through labour with my DD but she was born at 28 weeks and I was only in labour for 4 hours (resulting in an EMCS). For the first half of my labour I wasn't even sure they were contractions - in hindsight that sounds silly but at 28 weeks it's not what you would assume and I was having mainly stomach cramps that felt more like they were bowel related. I'm so paranoid about every little niggle now I don't actually trust my own judgement about what I'm feeling (currently 31 weeks).

My stomach went really hard, completely solid. About 12 hours later I felt my stomach clench, then an hour later again, when they got closer together it clenched harder and longer and felt very tight if that makes sense. X

Great description emsyj. One I would agree with!

DC2's contractions felt like stomach cramps, DC1's like period pains but radiating down my legs. DC1 was spine to spine, DC2 wasn't.

Giving birth felt like being turned inside out both times, but oddly I cannot remember pain now.

Started out like period pains, by the end it was like being squeezed round the middle by a boa constrictor.

No pains in stomach, all in lower back, as pp says, akin to being hit in kidneys. Have got tens machine and hot water bottle packed this time (due on Sunday...)

Mine felt like a vice inside me forcing my cervix open. I thought my bottom was going to turn inside out when if felt the "urge to push". I was induced though so it was v intense.

OP if you are concerned, even just a tiny bit, go and get checked out. Don't be shy.