What do contractions feel like?

[ForeverAndAlwaysTired]

Stupid question, I know. But I have no idea! I've googled and seems like menstrual cramps is the most common answer but I don't think I've felt those in years, if ever.

My first DC the contractions were all in my back but that was so long ago I can't remember what they felt like either.

All day long my belly has been getting really tight and it's very uncomfortable. Every 15-20 minutes and the tightness lasts for 30-90 seconds. It's not painful really, just a bit sore. So are those contractions or just braxton hicks? I've had BH before but they've never been painful.

I'm 36w5d. I need this baby to hold out until Wednesday so I can have a homebirth!

They sound like contractions to me. I suspect you may be having a baby before Wednesday!

Just monitor it. Maybe BH. You will just know when you are in labour though. I gave birth early at 36w + 5 but that's not to say you will but just keep monitoring and if yoy feel them getting closer together or more painful then call the midwife. Good luck!

I had Uterine hyperstimulation due to being induced - and (sorry for being unhelpful as you've already said this) but they did just feel like period pain on a whole other level. It was almost unbearable.... the tightening also sound familiar.... you may be having this baby sooner rather than later!!! Congratulations and good luck xx

I'm really not ready! Baby needs to stay in until Wednesday or I'm going to be giving birth alone in hospital. They have slowed down to every 25 to 30 minutes now. I've been snoozing in bed and they are less sore.

How are you today Forever?

Pretty much the same. Tightenings every 15-25 minutes, a bit sore but nothing bad. I just feel really tearful and want to hide away.
Midwife said it could be days and days of this.

I remember thinking during the worst the contractions that it felt like the devil had his hands wrapped around my womb and was squeezing it. Poetically painful!

Hope you manage to hang on for your home birth.

I feel for you!!! I hope everything works out and you get the birth you want!! ❤️

Proper labour contractions are fucking excruciating. The worst menstrual cramps youve ever had. Sounds like you're in the latent phase and that can go on for days.

You will know and I suspect BH as this is a subsequent pregnancy. Xx

They say you will know when it's real but I don't agree. With my first I knew even in the begining when they felt how your describing what's happening to you. Second time I'd had so many BH towards the end I didn't think it was real until I was pushing, just kept expecting them to stop.

I wouldn't describe them as anything like menstrual pains, Well, they weren't for me anyway. I actually find it very hard to describe.

I used to get so angry when people told me this but I had my son 9 weeks ago and believe me, you will know when they are real contractions. It's just pain, whether it's like period pain or no, it's pain. But they do sound like something could be happening, but not full blown yet x

How are you doing now OP? Did baby stay put long enough for your home birth?

Baby is still in. On Tuesday night things seemed like they were progressing, tightenings were getting painful, every 10 mins but then everything fizzled out by Wednesday afternoon and I've had nothing since.