can anyone describe labour pains??

[Mammina]

I know it's probably a million dollar question but I just don't know what to expect (had a c-section with my 1st bec of breech presentation)

Is it like:-

1. really horrendous period pains
2. like a really painful leg cramp (but not in your leg obviously)

or something completely different & indescribable

Apparently I was in labour (early stages) when I went in for my section but I hadn't noticed

Also with the 'constipation-people' (sorry, not the best label ever!). In fact, mine was so like severe constipation that I didn't really realise I was in labour but spent about 4 hours before/after midnight sat on the loo leaning over the towel rail - which, incidentally, must have been a very good position. Was somewhat surprised to find I was 8cm dilated when I got to hosp, was semi expecting someone to give me a suppository and send me home . In my defence, was expecting tummy and back pains, not that....

And the end bit is just as described below...

Thanks everyone, some really helpful stuff here. Have been going to yoga which has given me confidence. I have a hypnobirthing CD from last time but we're living out of boxes at the moment so can't find it.. will have a proper look tomorrow.
starlight, i'm due in 4 weeks' time

Agree with the intense period pain thing, but also thought it was like watching a tsunami come towards you.... it hits and you get lost in it for a while and it takes your breath away, and then it recedes and you can get upright a breathe normally. Then you see the tsunami coming again in the distance...

Like nothing else I've ever experienced!

Very very deep pains in tummy and back, building to a crescendo (sp?)I felt I would happily ask someone to shoot me at one point because it seemed preferable than waiting for the next contraction.

Then, when you think it can't get any worse, you reach second stage where you have to push the baby out! The ring of fire is EXACTLY like that - think blow torch on fanjo. If you tear, you feel it - think very very sensitive skin splitting! At antenatal classes we were taught to do the trick of putting a finger in each side of your mouth and pulling sideways until it burns and hurts - it's like that but doesn't stop when you want it to!! Thankfully that doesn't last long though and then you're baby's out and you feel ecstatic that it's over. It sounds horrendous but you survive it!

Agree with much of what other ladies have said with respect to period pains etc...

It's much like a pain that you can't quite place but that isn't totally suprising. I found birth a really special experience. The pain sucked but it felt necessary somehow.

The thing I remember that was most positive was the 'place' I was in during much of the quiet time I got without fussing from anyone... I found it quite new and wonderfully strengthening at the time. That I could exert that much control over my own body and mind and just focus on getting through and birthing.

I know it's not the same for everyone but I really agreed with what another lady said about going into it feeling confident and positive, it makes a massive difference.

Best of luck, when you've had your baby you must add your description x x