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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

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Original poster

So if labour pains are like period pains but much worse - what do period pains feel like to you?

39 replies

Chocolatewafer · 25/03/2018 21:40

Due any day now with first baby, nervous and wondering what to expect!

I’ve heard many people describe labour pain as like period pains but far worse, and others say it’s like diarrhoea cramps. I know it’s different for everyone so nobody can really tell me how it’ll be

But it’s got me thinking - what are period pains to you? I get a combination of the achey back ache pressure feeling (which I’m getting now with Braxton Hicks) and that sharp needly pain at the front that feels like someone is twisting a sharp needle around inside

OP posts:

Justanotherzombie · 25/03/2018 21:42

I didn't think it was like either. They were like nothing I'd ever experienced before. But you will manage like we all do. You go from contraction to contraction and then it's all over. Good luck! Exciting times.

Ikabod · 25/03/2018 21:53

I've had two babies and I still couldn't accurately describe how it feels (but then my period pains never got much worse than cramps, so I'm lucky!). What I would say is try not to focus too much on the pain, but more on what your body is doing and how awesome that is. Every contraction moves you closer to finally meeting your baby and sleeping comfortably again, and both of those things are wildly exciting!

Best of luck to you xxx

mollymoo0 · 25/03/2018 21:55

Period pains to me are basically cramps.

Labour started with period pains that gradually got more sharp. But it was manageable as it built up. It's a different type of pain.

For example that pain you get when you have diarrhoea that's so painful, it wasn't as bad as that.

ApplesTheHare · 25/03/2018 21:56

They're described as 'like' something else for a reason, because really labour pains are unique to you and that baby at that time.

To me, period pains are like back and front ache (?!) at the same time, definitely with twisting involved.

60percentofthetime · 25/03/2018 22:00

Period pains to me are cramps in the front, and my first labour was a very painful version of period cramps. My second baby was back to back though and the pain was all around - very different to my normal period pain.

ShackUp · 25/03/2018 22:24

Labour pains are manageable in my experience; they're like surges of intense, burning pain in your abdomen.

As I neared the pushing stage both times, the pain remained and didn't let up for ages, that was pretty bad (transition, I think).

I pushed DS2 out in a pool, which really helped with the crowning pain, which I'd found really awful with DS1 (he turned and I had a 3rd degree tear). I didn't get into the pool until 5 minutes before he arrived, it was much more effective this way.

IlikemyTeahot · 25/03/2018 22:31

Its hard to describe...a bit like a combination of a period type cramp and a tightish squeeze.
Ive had 3 DCs And each labour was different. My first I felt like I had really bad trapped wind and was convinced I needed the loo and didn't understand why no-one would let me try!
With my second it was no more than a slight backache and I didn't even realise I was in labour until my waters went an hour later, went for a checkup and only felt a little more pain as we went over some speedbumps, went up to the ward and had my daughter within 16 minutes!
Third pregnancy I had fibroids and cysts that were causing cramping pain throughout whole pregnancy and it was no worse than those.
When labour begins get your birth partner to support you (feed you etc) and most importantly time your contractions, let them give you lower back rubs with a bit of diluted peppermint oil (mix with grapeseed or almond if youve no nut allergy)
Also warm washcloths to hold on your back are quite nice or even just go on all fours in the shower and let the hot water hit you where it hurts (my favorite and highly recommended, just be sure to have someone nearby, leave your shame at the door)

Its important that you concentrate on your breathing techniques. If you haven't been to antenatal classes do look it up on YouTube. Doing these during a contraction will take the edge off.
Alternatively a warm bath with a touch of lavender, a little walk about or bouncing on a birthing/gym ball will all help you relax your muscles.
Also distractions are good as long as your not getting annoyed by them. Singing counting etc
Eat as often as you like (carbs are good) at this point and empty bladder frequently (this gives baby more room and should make you more comfortable)

Remember that each pain will be bringing you closer to baby cuddles.

When its time to deliver you will be guided through the contractions and you may find their no longer as painful, you will be too busy focusing on pushing through each one.
The actual moment of birth itself is a massive feeling of relief (like a big poo lol) and any pains from before will instantly be forgotten.
xx

IlikemyTeahot · 25/03/2018 22:36

wait a sec op Braxton hicks shouldn't be causing pain. You could possibly be in the early stages of labor (sometimes even up to a day before active labor begins) give your midwife a buzz hun just to be sure xx

Ohyesiam · 25/03/2018 22:43

If you want to find out how you will cope in labour, try holding an ice cube for 20 seconds. It’s agony, but you can see how you deal with it best. Do you need to really focus on it? Or to distance yourself? Does breathing into the pain help? Screaming?
I found that I had to go right into the centre of the pain. It helped with knowing what to expect.
I did do some screaming too though. Well maybe more mooing.

Original poster

Chocolatewafer · 26/03/2018 05:24

Thank you all, there’s some really interesting experiences and great tips here

I am still getting tightenings and they are painful but really quite mild so I’m not sure it can be labour yet. Woke up a while ago and timed a couple, about 50 secs and about 12 mins apart but as I say not horrendous at all

I have a routine midwife appointment later at surgery (40 weeks tomorrow) would she examine if I asked her to? I’ve had no show or anything so suspect it’s just body practicing!

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polkadotpixie · 26/03/2018 06:31

My period pain is sometimes pretty severe so I'm hoping it'll be good for preparing me for labour!

It feels like a twisting burning squeezing kind of pain but it's agony and relentless so I'm hoping that at least labour contractions give you short breaks in between them!

This is my first baby too so no real idea what to expect. I'm not so scared about the labour because I can cope with pain as I am about the actual birth as I am terrified by the idea of tearing 😩

PrimeraVez · 26/03/2018 06:42

Period pains for me are like a dull ache in my lower abdomen with the occasional 'twisting' sensation.

Contractions for me were totally different - they were sharp spasms mostly in my lower back.

Good luck!

GetAWayFromHer · 26/03/2018 06:57

Period pains were very painful (crampy) for me, so I thought I knew what to expect. But I didn't. Labour pains (except the very earliest ones) were much, much worse. I would say they were like being disembowelled.

But they weren't unbearabIe. I coped through a combination of drugs, shouting and my husband's support.

BothersomeCrow · 26/03/2018 07:25

I've had painful periods with cramping and Labour was exactly the same only less painful because it was only part of the time. Diarrhoea is the same sensation in a different place.

Braxton - Hicks certainly can be painful - my SIL suffered for about a month. My body didn't bother with any until I was in labour.

Original poster

Chocolatewafer · 26/03/2018 08:25

Thanks guys. Just had my show so you never know, could be a live birth thread (or I might feel like this for days!)

OP posts:

stargirl1701 · 26/03/2018 08:39

Period pains are much more painful than labour pains for me. No oxytocin, no beta-endorphins...

Pinkvoid · 26/03/2018 12:24

I’ve had painful periods in the past, they feel like dull dragging pains low down and are occasionally sharp. Labour was absolutely nothing like a period . It’s unlike anything I’ve ever felt before or since so it’s difficult to describe but it’s definitely way, way more intense than period pain. Good luck! Sure you’ll boss it.

Pinkvoid · 26/03/2018 12:25

Oh likening it to diarrhoea is a good one actually. When you have diarrhoea and there’s that horrible uncontrollable urge to push? Labour is definitely like that.

FranticallyPeaceful · 26/03/2018 13:35

It never felt like that at all for me. Labour snuck up on me both times though, from an increase to tightenings to the pain (which started low and then crept up) ramping up and then the painful bit before baby is down enough to come out, which is where contractions are usually the worst and most painful, it feels unbearable like you can’t do it anymore (but you can!) but then finally the full feeling where you can no longer help but push. The absolute worst part! Lol. Like you REALLY need to poo, and no matter what you do you push/make caveman sounds. You’re hurting but also can’t help pushing which obviously makes it worse.... aaaaaand then it’s done. And the pain has gone, and none of it matters anymore. And you have a squiggly baby in your arms!

@Stargirl1701 haha! I doubt anything feels too bad when off your face on drugs

gryffen · 26/03/2018 14:23

Quite honestly I've never had period pains and labour to me was more cramping in foot pain than anything.

Built up until 8cm then diamorphine was given and all i felt after that was pressure and bam- baby born.

Weirdest sensation was forceps to help get her round the bend lol

TwittleBee · 26/03/2018 15:41

It wasn't anything like my pre-pregnancy period cramps; they were super mild and didn't even really feel like cramp. But since I have had DS my period cramps are as strong as the first stage labour pains so can certainly see that comparison now.

I can understand the comparison to diarrhoea cramps, for me it was a bit like that really weird crampy downward pressure you get when you have serious diarrhoea from food poisoning.

SnooSigh · 26/03/2018 15:44

I found contractions easier. Period pain for me is 12 hours of hell, vomiting, upset stomach, constant pain. At least contractions have the good grace to give you breathing space in between!

TwittleBee · 26/03/2018 15:47

Oh and I remember reading once that Labour is like serious leg cramps and I actually burst into tears with fear over that. I got serious leg cramps during my 1st pregnancy but I can say my labour pains were nowhere near as bad!

Invisimamma · 26/03/2018 15:51

Labour was nothing like period pains for me! It was like a 10lb small person trying to rip my insides apart at regular intervals for 24hrs 😂.

stargirl1701 · 26/03/2018 22:35

@FranticallyPeaceful

Oxytocin and beta-endorphins are produced by your body. There is a synthetic oxytocin called syntocin, I think.

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