First time mom here, 33 weeks, and honestly i have no idea what im waiting for. People say i'll just know but that doesnt help me na. How did it actually feel for you, like is it cramps or back pain or what?
My amma told me it would feel like the belly turning hard like a stone and then softening. That is exactly how it was for me. But always keep your doctor updated once the pains start.
For me real contractions felt like a wave, it started low in the back then wrapped around to the front and tightened my whole belly. They came again and again with a pattern, thats how I knew it was the real thing.
Braxton hicks are random and go away if you change position. Real ones dont stop, they get stronger and regular. Time them, when they are every 5 min or so, go to hospital.
Just be careful, if you feel strong regular tightening before your due date or any leaking or bleeding, dont wait at home, call your gynac right away. Preterm ones need quick checking.
I felt scared at first because I didnt know what to expect. Mine felt like very strong period cramps but way deeper, and they kept getting closer together. Once they had a rhythm I called my doc and went in.
