What does Labour/contractions feel like?

[Caelia]

I know it sounds like a stupid question and I'm sorry. I'm 40 wks and 4 days pregnant with my second child. My first child was born 8 years ago though and i was induced. So I'm having trouble remembering what it felf like.
I had a sweep the other day and since I've had thick discharge. With some blood.
Today I started having pains that started about 8am. Them seem to come every hour, though the pains don't hurt too much. So I dont know if it's the start of labour. Or some sort of warning. Someone said contractions feel like period pains but Ive not had a period pain for 8 years either. So I'm at a loss.
The pain seems to be around my belly button, maybe just above. Its hard to pin point the pain exactly.

I really hope it is labour because I don't want to have to be induced this time. So I'm scared of it stopping.

Any help would be appreciated!

One thing I have quite vividly carried with me since the birth of Dd (2 years ago) is that NOTHING can stop your DC from coming if they are coming! And NO ONE can induce you if you dont want to be induced! Pls dont feel pressured into having to be induced if baby is taking longer than they expect. Easier said than done with allthe health professionals that will be fannying around you but it is achievable if you stick to your guns. (This is how i avoided a Emergency section, by sticking to my guns!)

But back to your question, labour felt like a tightening below the belly button down into the groin followed by a dragging downwards feeling. To which my natural response was to lift up my knees! (hope this makes sense!)

Mine felt like someone had put a belt around my bump and was pulling it tighter and tighter then letting it go.

Fingers crossed that this is the start of labour, good luck.

My labour was all about back pain until I was about 6 cm dilated and I seemed to be hurting everywhere.

It all sounds positive. Good luck.

Stiller, was baby facing lying with back to your back? My sis's baby was like that and full of back pain. She was less fortunate than me and had to have EC in the end cos baby didnt turn around... perhaps shouldnt be discussing this right now... sorry Caelia

please omit 'facing'.. meant lying with back to your back...

I've no idea brandy. Had a fairly uncomplicated delivery so I don't think so. All the women in my family have said the back pain was most noticable. I get period pain in my back too though.

my waters started trickling out this morning. But the pains stopped last night at around 1am.
Went into hospital and they sent me home.
Im still leaking but no pain. I don't know how to start myself off. The midwivies talked about inducing me within 72 hours to reduce the chance of infection!

Help?

Still dont know what labour pains feel like though

With my 2ds my contractions were like getting squeezed very tightly around my stomach. Stomach went rock hard and hurt very near top of my bump. It did start like a general on/off achyness(sp not even sure its a word) My waters started with a trickle too and the achyness which then built up. Good Luck for the labour and i hope it is quick for you

With my first it first felt like normal period cramps, then period cramps times 100.

Ive still got no pains. Still leaking though. Scrubbed my kitchen and bathroom, hoping that may start things off. Ive been drinking rasberry leaf tea but nothing.
Eating pinapple (dont know if eating pineapple actually helps, but it sure is tasty though!!)
I'm due in the hospital in about an hour and a half.
anyway 6 days over due now.

Isn't this the most awful bit during pregnancy??

Hope all goes well for you xx