Being a first time mom i have no idea what to expect when contractions start. This kinda worries me cause I dont want to sit around for hours in labor and not know it. I hear alot of people say that it could be back pain, which Ive had alot of lately. I just wish there was a way to know without having to go to the dr's or hospital. sheesh! Any thoughts from mommies who have been there??

My early contractions just felt like mild menstrual cramps, but the stronger ones felt like my insides were being squeezed and twisted like one would squeeze all of the water out of a washcloth hard. Once you see that sweet baby, though, you forget the pain! :)

Oh you'll know....trust me ;) They start out pretty mild, almost like - did I just feel something? Then they get stronger and closer together. Best of luck to you sweetie. I know you're getting really excited :)

Oh yeah, great discription Marcia! LOL

Maybe something is happening then, ive been having these cramps since this morning along with a back ache, but nothing in regular intervals

If you are in back labor the contractions will become more regular. Try to time it and see if you can see a pattern happening. You will notice the pain becoming more intense esp when you are moving around. I always felt increased pressure where babys head would be. How far along are you ? Have you started to dilate yet ?

Just like Marcia....Im gonna say they start off like menstrual cramps, then get harder and more frequent.....I didnt have too much back labor - so I cant offer too much with that situation.

I think you'll know when it happens. :) I would just suggest timing them once you feel something, and once they get within 5 minutes or less call your doc - they'll tell ya what to do from there. Atleast thats what we've been told to do. ;) I always go with the "Trust your instincts" theory.....:)

im 38 weeks i was 1 cm dilated last friday and about 70% effaced. I wish there was a pop-up timer like a butterball turkey! That would make things alot easier! lol

Well sound to me that there is a good chance that it's starting. I agree with what was said about the bad menstural cramps. If you are in a lot of pain I would call the doctor and get it checked out. Good Luck :)

Three days before Ian was born I was having contractions about 20 minutes apart. I had them for almost an entire day and then they stopped. They weren't super painful or anything, just uncomfortable and they never came more frequently or got more intense. Sarah, I'd just try timing them and writing it down. Maybe you'll notice a pattern....

Three days before Ian was born I was having contractions about 20 minutes apart. I had them for almost an entire day and then they stopped. They weren't super painful or anything, just uncomfortable and they never came more frequently or got more intense. Sarah, I'd just try timing them and writing it down. Maybe you'll notice a pattern....

My thoughts too. :tup:

Thank you for your responses. I called my mom (had 7 kids natural) lol, and she said that it sounded promising, but then again, i could cramp for days. So anyway, i guess ill wait it out and see how it goes. Maybe it just means progress! I have an appt on Friday so if I go till then Im anxious to see if im dialated more. Wish us luck! :)

Three days before Ian was born I was having contractions about 20 minutes apart. I had them for almost an entire day and then they stopped.

My neighbor up the street had the same thing - she didn't want to have the baby that day, so she went to sleep and hoped they went away and they did. 3 days later, she had boy #4.

Good luck!

I was worried about the same thing with my first. At 36 weeks my Dr asked me if I had been having any contractions. I said no. She did an internal exam and said yes you have because you are 3cm. I was so worried I wouldn't know what it felt like. The night before my due date my DH and I went out to eat for our 8th or 9th "last time out before the baby comes" and right as my big plate of Chicken Parmesan was put in front of me I had my first contraction. I knew right away that was it even though it didn't hurt. It was different than anything else I had felt. I timed them every 20 minutes all through dinner. Of couse not knowing how long it would be before I got food again I ate my whole dinner. About 3 hours later I told DH. I wanted to be sure because I was afraid he would freak out. I was in labor for 16 hours in all, but I didn't mind the length because it was so gradual that it wasn't bad. Somehow you will know when it is the real thing!

The baby having conttractions(as opposed to the braxton Hicks kind)usually go all the way around. Sometimes you can even see them They tighten all the way around your stomach. The cramps and backache are a good sign though

Well Im still here this morning, but still having cramps. Nothing has changed really. I guess its just my body getting ready. Elizabeth has been going nuts though. She woke me up twice last night from kicking so hard. I think she's ready! ;) Im just hoping Friday there will be progress when we go to the dr. Thanks so much everyone! :)