Third Trimester of Pregnancy Forum - description of contractions

Pregnancy Forum > Third Trimester of Pregnancy Forum > description of contractions

What happens during labor? What do contractions feel like? And how do I know that labor has begun? Read on to learn about birthing basics....

Q: description of contractions

asked by: littlebit1901 on June 23rd, 2008

New User

Hi everyone! I'm new to the site and have a question. I'm 37 1/2 weeks pregnant. This is my 2nd child. My first was born at 33 weeks due to severe preeclampsia, so all of this 3rd trimester stuff is new to me. I have a fetal non-stress test every week and they show me when I have a contraction, but I cannot feel them at all. I can look at it happening on the chart, but nothing feels different to me. I'm scared I'm going to have this baby on the couch and never feel one. The dr and nurses assure me that I'll feel the real thing eventually. Can anyone describe one better than the uterus tightening? Call me stupid, but I don't even know at this point where my uterus is. I have heard that your stomach gets real hard and tight, and I do feel that, but I think it's just the baby's head (or feet or something). Can anyone please give me a better description of a contraction? Thank you.
Reese

Replies(2)

Lilly Ivy

replied on June 23rd, 2008

Extremely eHealthy

The contractions you see on the NST are most likely BH contractions. Once the REAL contractions come on, you'll know it.

I was induced, and my contractions never got too severe (had a c-section). My contractions got to the point where they felt like bad menstrual cramps. I've heard that they get more and more intense. I highly doubt you're not going to feel them, unless you have no pain or pressure receptors from your waist down.

Good Luck!

Mabel

replied on June 23rd, 2008

Moderator

Hard and tight and painful, like a muscle contracted as hard as it can and hold it... hold it... hold it... slowly release... slowly... slowly...

Its kind of like that, in a rhythmic pattern. Add in a touch of pain, just a little, and that is the begining of some labors.

Trust me, you start having enough contractions and you are going to know what it is.

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