How would you describe contractions?

[NewMamma21]

FTM just trying to get an idea of what contractions might feel like.
I know this may be way off but the only 2 things I’ve experienced which I feel I could compare with are

1. gall stone attacks (undiagnosed for ages); they felt like my stomach had cramped up & wouldn’t release, shooting back pains & felt like someone was squeezing my lungs.
2. IBS; that feeling of really needing the toilet, stomach cramps, cold sweats. All coming in waves then okay for a bit then another wave.

Yeah a bit like your 2nd option - that crampiness when you’ve got a tummy upset. But mixed with the crampy waves of period pain.
Tight, very tight and then released and eases off.

What a joy they were.

I've given birth naturally twice - first time with only gas and air, second time with nothing. I've also suffered numerous gallbladder attacks with infected stones stuck in a duct and eventual removal of my gallbladder. In my experience, the gallbladder attacks were much, much worse by far. The difference is that contractions have gaps in between them where the pain lessens so it isn't continuous like a gallbladder attack. Also I found that labour pain is only unbearable once you're fully dilated, in which case it shouldn't be long and the baby should be out anyway. I think it helps to view labour pain as different to any other pain - it's a positive thing because it's bringing your baby to you.

Tight, tight, tighter, tighter, tighter, TIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIGHTTTTTTTTTT, and...as you were.

Mine were like really bad period pains plus needing like I needed the worlds biggest poo. I was induced so I was expecting them to be a lot worse than they were.

Highly recommend hypnobirthing to help you positively approach labour and 'waves' as hypno calls contractions!!! I thought it was bullshit at the time, but did the training/listening to hpyno tape each night and my 'waves' were no worse than period pain with a bit of extra bearing down sensation towards the end. Everyone's experience is different, and it is really intense, but you don't need to assume you'll be lying on your back screaming in pain.

@Bouncybumblebee has got it spot on

I'd describe it as how I'd imagine slowly being ripped in half would feel. I genuinely thought I was going to die

Being sick backwards.

3DC. I'd far rather go through labour again than have the kind of period pain I had before children. Contractions are just the uterus contracting and that's what it feels like, a muscle contraction and then when it's over you're fine. It's a positive pain that is there for a reason and is your body doing its job. And everyone is there to help and support you. I really enjoyed being in labour (hated being pregnant!).

Whereas period pain was horrible, shooting pains down the leg, nauseous and vomiting, feel like you are dying pain all while being expected to still carry on with your day because period pain is just a few cramps and what are you complaining about. I was so happy when I realised my Mum was right and my period pain stopped after childbirth.

But, if for you the pain is more than you can cope with then try the various pain relief options. I thought the TENS machine was fab during my first two labours and adored gas and air (DC3 was very fast so no pain relief). Hated pethidine. But I know a few people who felt nauseous with gas and air.

It was hard but OK. Between the contractions no pain at all and contractions only last a minute so breathed my way through in counts of 10. By 3 counts of ten I was at the mid point and it got easier. So manageable. Fucking painful but manageable. And I'm a right wuss.

Period pain plus hardening, like my whole mid section was being squeezed in a vice. Yes, a bit like IBS cramps

First labour - waters didn't break, contractions v manageable. Like others, had had worse period pain on occasion. Second labour - premature rupture of membranes, gave birth 3 days later. Worst pain I have ever experienced in my life. Utterly unbearable. Epidural helped temporarily but only worked on one side and was very short-lived. Top ups did nothing. Ended up with forceps and episiotomy and by the time I went in for spinal, I was beside myself. But - you get through it! And the midwives were fantastic.

@Hangingtrousers

Being sick backwards.

I'd say the pushing stage was like this for DC2&3, backward projectile vomiting, the consultant described it as 'involuntary pushing'. So a really strong contraction that took your breath away that you don't have any control over but that was clearly doing something. But I'd say you are really lucky if you get that, means the second stage will be short, with DC1 I didn't get the urge to push at all, it was just hard work.

Bad period pains that worsen and worsen until you start pushing.