First time pregnant, 30 weeks now and i keep hearing people talk about contractions but i honestly dont know what to expect. Like how does it actually feel? Trying to be a little prepared before my time comes.
For me contractions felt like very strong period cramps that came in waves, tightening and then easing. They get closer together and stronger as labor moves on. It's intense but your body knows what to do, I promise.
My doctor explained that true labor contractions come at regular intervals and increase in intensity, and you time them, like every few minutes. Braxton Hicks are irregular and ease off. She told me to come to hospital when they were about 5 min apart, but everyone's instructions differ so go by ur own gynac's advice.
I started having contractions before my C-section, they felt like a tightening band across my belly that came and went. It was manageable in the beginning. Whatever your delivery turns out to be, the team guides you through it gently.
Im in my 9th month and even reading this made me nervous lol. From what everyone tells me its like cramps with a deadline. Following this thread for my own sanity.
Dont let the word scare you. It's your body's natural way of bringing baby out, tightening in waves with breaks in between. When they become regular and strong, that's your cue to head to the hospital.
Basically the uterus muscles tighten and relax to push baby down and open the cervix. First time I confused practice contractions (Braxton Hicks) with real ones haan. Real ones are regular and dont stop with rest.
