First time pregnant and people keep saying watch out for contractions, but i dont really know how it feels. Is it like a cramp or something different? matlab how will i even know its a contraction?
Hey, don't stress too much about identifying them, you will definitely know when a real contraction hits! It feels like a very strong tightening. If you just feel a mild hardening of your tummy now and then, it's probably just practice contractions.
I've been reading about this since we are planning soon. Are contractions like really severe period cramps? I hear some are just practice contractions called Braxton Hicks, but I wonder how we can tell them apart!
Look, a real contraction feels like a tight wave of pain that starts in your back and moves to the front of your tummy. Braxton Hicks are just tightening without real pain. If they are regular, painful, and don't stop when you rest, call your doctor immediately.
I ended up having a C-section, but I did experience some mild contractions before that. They felt like very strong, squeezing cramps. If you feel any painful contractions along with water leaking or bleeding, please contact your hospital immediately.
For mild Braxton Hicks contractions, drinking a warm glass of water or changing your position usually helps relax the muscles. But if you have severe pain, cramping, or backaches that keep getting stronger, please don't wait for home remedies and consult your doctor immediately.
According to my doctor, contractions are the tightening and releasing of your uterine muscles. She explained that if they happen before 37 weeks and are regular, it could be preterm labor, so you must contact your gynac. Real labor contractions get closer together and stronger over time.
Simply put, it's your uterus tightening to prepare for delivery. If it's just a random tightening that goes away when you drink water or sit down, it's normal. But if the pain is severe and comes at regular intervals, go to the doctor.
