What do contractions feel like? Is there a definite beginning and end to each one??

[bigpreggybelly]

Not sure if I'm having them or not! Getting waves of vague pain in lower abdomen for the last couple of hours since having a session with partner - not the whole bump, but there isn't really a definite start and beginning each time.

Haven't had a show yet or waters breaking. Is this the start of labour - or do I have appendicitis or something?

Could be Braxton Hicks. They are common after 'a session'.

My contracions were mild to begin with, but definitely had a start and finish, like period cramping.

Sounds like Braxton hicks or practise contractions, they could turn into something or they could tail off again. How many weeks pregnant are you?

Hi bigpreggybelly! i was just about to post a similar post minus the session ive been getting period type pain for the last hr but its in waves no definate start or end to it, its uncomfortable but not killing. im 36 weeks so will see how i go ova next hr or so. xx

I'm 37 + 4 weeks

Trust me, if you were having contractions you'd know about it! Sounds like braxton hicks to me.

Seem to be getting less frequent now!

If that's what BH feels like, I think I'll be having an epidural for the real event!

My contractions started like that; a dull period pain type ache, and then eventually became proper contractions after several hours and i definitely coule tell a start and and end to them...I didn't ever have any BH, so I don't know what they feel like....Good luck!

I will echo Heth you will know

Seriously though, BH's can feel mildly similar and there are lots of aches and pains in the last few weeks which feel a bit like period pain or perhaps a dull ache. This can happen on and off for a few weeks.

I know with DD (cant remember with DS) that I had dull aches for the morning then by the afternoon I knew they were contractions - although was still denying it to DH despite the fact I couldnt talk through them and was rocking

I couldn't actually tell the difference between strong BHs and early/mid labour contractions! My early contractions weren't that painful, and because my BHs had been regular for a few weeks before I went into labour it was hard to tell the difference.

Is there a definite peak to the discomfort even if you can't distinguish the start and finish? Keep monitoring them and if you're unsure then maybe the midwife will give you a quick check over?

Z x

Thanks everyone, well they have now gone and I had a really good night's sleep so must have been Braxton Hicks. . Plus he's under strict instructions not to make an entrance until after Boxing Day.

Is labour much worse than that?? Its put me off!

"Is labour much worse than that??"

Nah, labour's a piece of cake compared to BHs

Is labour much worse than that?

Don't listen to me though. For the last 8hrs contractions were 2.5 minutes long, 30 second gap between them and though they had a start and a finish, they were the same intensity throughout, no peak. The intensity, btw, living hell.

Remember, there are lots and lots and lots and lots of drugs.

You'll be fine. Think positively, you're having a baby and it might smart a bit but your body's very clever and knows what to do. And there's ways of managing the contractions, breathing, water, rocking, walking, singing, dancing etc. Don't be frightened of them.

"might smart a bit"

it does chafe a little, you're right.

OP - def sounds like BH. Sounds like when the time comes it'll be a good old-fashioned bonking that sets things off for you!

If you have to ask if they are contractions, they aren't.
Good luck with the baby!

"might smart a bit" hee hee hee hee hee!

Totally worth it, I forgot the pain seconds after he was out xx

I have never forgotten the pain.

Totally worth it though.