Question about labor

Danalana wrote: I'm just wondering if it feels like period cramps...I think I was under the impression that it's like Braxton Hicks contractions, just a lot more intense. I read something that contradicts that, so can you tell me? Am I supposed to feel like I'm starting my period? (I know it's a lot worse than that, by the way) I have horrible period cramps (not now), so I sort of know what I'm looking for if that's it.

luvmykids replied: I guess so, sort of. Definitely more intense, and really like nothing else, they're pretty unmistakable. But I would say AF cramps is probably the closest comparison. For me, they really felt like someone had my stomach in a vice from the inside, if that makes any sense.

I was always afraid I was going to go into labor and not realize it....that can happen once in awhile, but believe me, you will probably know

A&A'smommy replied: hmmm I didn't feel the braxton hicks I had with alyssa (saw them on the monitor at the hospital though) so I don't know if they feel the same or not sorry I'm no help

Hillbilly Housewife replied: I'd say that's as close a comparison as you can get.

Danalana replied: So it's not necessarily a hardening of the belly, but all-out pain?

A&A'smommy replied:
well your belly does get hard and kinda tenses up, you can actually see it when your contractions start to get REALLY hard

oh and it doesn't hurt REALLY bad in the beginning but they do start to hurt more and more as they get bigger

Danalana replied: I'm getting scared

Hillbilly Housewife replied: i was told if there is no pain...it is braxton.

Thena gain... some women claim to have painless labor.

A&A'smommy replied:
don't be scared its NOTHING to be scared of its perfectly natural, its one of the most amazing things you will ever do!!!

My3LilMonkeys replied:
There's nothing to be scared of....yes, it's going to hurt, but that's what pain meds are for if you need them.

And honestly, the second that baby is in your arms, you'll forget all about the pain. It is all worth it.

Hillbilly Housewife replied: Even if you don't take the pain meds... it will be gone when you have your baby in your arms anyways.

Biggest issue i had... is relaxing. You panic, and tense up...that's the worst thing you can do, it makes it harder on the baby. Just relax.. and trust that things will happen as they are meant to be.

luvmykids replied:
Definitely

And just keep in mind during labor.....no matter how much it feels like it, it's not forever

Danalana replied: I know it'll be worth it, and I actually have a high tolerance for pain....I guess it's fear of the unknown.

luvmykids replied:
Totally normal

Danalana replied: I'm sure it will be ok...I've wanted to see him for sooooo long!

msoulz replied: When I had braxton hicks my whole belly tightened, all the way up to the top, hard as a rock and then relaxed. It was more uncomfortable than painful. The labor pains were very low and started period-like and then strengthed. But everyone feels things differently and I know plenty of women who had braxton hicks and were sent home from the hospital if false labor, so they must have hurt. That is probably no help but that is how it felt to me.

I know how you feel. I was never afraid of labor and delivery, but rather the 18+ years after that! As was stated that is so normal. And as you said, you have wanted him for so long - you will be great!!!

CantWait replied:

With Robbie, most of my labor actually was like having menstrual cramps, I didn't know I was in labor till they started getting a bit more intense. Because I was so early on I decided to go to the hospital, and when they checked me I was already 6 cm dialated.

With Anthony, it was a lot different. I had BH for a few weeks prior that were quite intense, still like menstrual cramps, but much more intense.

mommy~to~a~bunch replied: Maybe reading others' birth stories would help so you kind of know what to expect in general. Here's a link to a bunch of different births, from homebirths to C-sections, even though it's titles "Unmedicated Birth Stories": http://www.childbirth.org/articles/stories...tedstories.html .

Just keep in mind you have choices. You CAN go against hospital policy if there's some "rule" that you don't want to follow. You don't need to be in bed which, in my opinion, makes the pain 10x worse. Being able to move around helps a TON.

Don't be afraid. Giving birth is an amazing, wonderful experience!

lovemy2 replied: I think like everyone else said - it can start feeling like period cramps - my GF felt like she was having stomach cramps like she was going to get diareha (sorry TMI) for a whole day - low and behold she was in labor had the baby the next day....

Contractions you feel all the way around front, back, sides, and your tummy gets hard and like Monica said it feels like a vice - lets up then comes again - I was always afraid I wouldn't know either but believe me you know.....

You will be fine - normal reaction at this point to be wondering "how that is going to come out of there"

Bamamom replied: For me the pain started low in my belly - like cramps - but after a couple of hours they were more all over my belly and HURT. Luckily I had a dr appt that morning and was sitting in his office and this intensification was taking place so I just went to his nurse and told her I thought I might be in labor - they hooked me up to the machine to verify it and then sent me to the hospital.

lisar replied: My braxton hicks I had with Lexi felt something like a period cramp. A little stronger but nothing bad.

Danalana replied: I asked about laboring on the ball or in the rocking chair, or even walking around. he said as long as I don't have an epidural, that's fine. I mean, i oviously can't walk around with an epidural I'm gonna try all that stuff and hopefully avoid an epidural. I'll get one if I need it, though.

CantWait replied:
You know what's funny Dana.

Both times I swore up and down no epidural, and both times just when I caved it was time for me to push, your body tells you when it's time.

jcc64 replied: A true labor cramp is somewhere between a very strong period cramp and not unlike the feeling you get in your insides when you have to take a really big dump. (sorry, couldn't find a more diplomatic way to say it). In fact, the whole thing, even the pushing part, sort of feels like you're crapping out a watermelon.
As others have said, it's painful, but just remember, it's nothing your body isn't equipped to handle. Instead of freaking out before each contraction, try to remind yourself that each one is a step closer to meeting your baby. So much of our relationship to pain comes from our minds, so try to use that to your advantage. You absolutely can make it better for yourself by surrendering to the pain rather than bracing yourself against it. I know that sounds very hippy-dippy, but I tried it, and it does work. The more you can relax and let your body do it's thing, the faster the labor will be. And, if worse comes to worst, you get that epi if you need it.

Danalana replied: LOL...hippy-dippy. I love that!

Celestrina replied:
If you are going to walk around, I recommend going to a mall especially if you are going alone. Level footing, enclosed area but still open enough to be comfortable, and security to help (like calling an ambulance) if things progress faster than you expected.

Danalana replied: I won't be alone, but I might try walking some before I even go to the hospital...the mall would probably work. They will let me walk around the hospital, too, I think.

Celestrina replied: Absolutely; usually they will encourage you to walk around. Aside from helping things progress, it also helps with stress and makes the time pass a little better.

Danalana replied: I have a feeling I'm gonna need help with stress!