What do contractions feel like?
I’d been in the early stages of labor for 5 days, not to panic anyone out there or anything, it wasn’t painful, I could just feel that my body was getting ready! I’d been having irregular contractions which felt like period pains and had lower back pain on and off. As I was overdue, I was looking at every sign that I was about to go into labor and was actually worried that I wouldn’t know and I was suddenly giving birth in the living room! I was told by everyone that I would just know, and wow do you know!
The morning of the 18th I woke up at 2am with a strong back pain, it felt like a weight pushing downwards, I managed to get back to sleep but woke up again at 6am with an even stronger pain, this time I couldn’t get back to sleep, I knew this time that it was a contraction, then they started coming every 4 minutes, making me short of breath and I had to stop what I was doing. On the car journey to the hospital they got stronger again, I would lift myself off the seat and try to breathe through it, it was the longest 30 minutes of my life! The contractions got progressively worse quite quickly, sitting in the hospital I was squeezing my partners knee and lifting myself off the bed whilst trying to breathe through them and trying to stay calm, I didn’t make any kind of sound though, at times I wanted to believe me, but I’ve always wanted to stay calm for my sake and the baby’s. Once I was dilated to 4cm we got moved to our delivery room which was lovely and had an en suite with the most amazing bath, which I did have a go in to ease the contractions but I was too uncomfortable!I refused the gas and air as I had used it once getting my internal checks and loved it at first but it made me feel ill, so I opted for the epidural to make the whole experience a bit more enjoyable, the contractions eventually faded to just pressure which was amazing, I could actually enjoy being in labor for now. My waters were broken at 6cm and in an hour and a half it was time to push! By this time, my epidural had pretty much worn off so I could feel thecontractions again, yes they were very painful but knowing you are about to meet your baby makes you deal with them, and actually, because you push with the contractions, you can’t actually feel the pain of them. As soon as Abbie was born, I forgot all about the pain and suddenly my beautiful baby was here and nothing else in the world mattered.*Disclaimer - The following information is a featured post from HiPP baby club, it is full of useful information about contractions and labor which you may find helpful to you!
Coping with contractions – advice from HiPP OrganicFor most mums, labor is the scary bit that looms at the end of pregnancy, but don’t forget that it’s when you get the reward for of all the hard work you’ve been doing – actually meeting your baby!If you are feeling scared or nervous about labor, have a look at the advice below which will help prepare you.What do contractions feel like?Contractions often start with persistent abdominal or lower back pain which is often accompanied by a crampy premenstrual feeling. Around this time some women complain of feeling a little unwell while others may have a slightly upset stomach or return of morning sickness. This feeling of being unwell may or may not last throughout labour, it varies from woman to woman and is due to the hormones produced during labor.Some mums find it helpful to take paracetemol, warm baths or to use a TENS machine to help ease the pain during early labor. During this time, mums can still carry on with normal activities where possible e.g. if it is night time, try to get some sleep (while you can!) Driving is the only thing that is not advised once labor starts.If you can cope with early labor you will be advised to stay at home for as long as possible as you may be sent home from the hospital if you’re not in established labor.What is the difference between Braxton Hicks and contractions?Unlike normal contractions, Braxton Hicks contractions don’t hurt and don’t get progressively stronger, but the abdomen can still be very firm.What is a ‘show’?A ‘show’ is a blood-tinged or brownish mucus discharge. If you pass the mucus plug that blocks the cervix, labor could be imminent or it could be several days away but it is a sign that things are moving along. Not every woman passes a show, and it can vary quite significantly in appearance and amount. If you are not sure if you have had a ‘show’ and feel concerned, call your midwife or hospital. When is labor established?It is likely that you will be in established labor when your contractions become more painful, they occur at regular and increasingly shorter intervals and become stronger and longer in intensity. Contractions are timed by the number you have in ten minutes, 3-4 contractions lasting about a minute is normal for a labor that is progressing well. When in established labor it will be unlikely that you will be able to talk while having a contraction and this is a good time to call the midwife or hospital.When should you go to hospital?It is a good time to call the hospital if you can’t talk through your contractions and you are having 3-4 in ten minutes. It is never too late to call the hospital but if feel an urge to push call the hospital straight away and they will possibly call an ambulance and a community midwife for you.At any point during labour, if the pain is continuous, if bleeding occurs, if your waters break, or if you are worried about your baby’s movements you should contact your local hospital.Can contractions slow down or stop all together? Is this normal?This can happen and it is often referred to as a false labor. Unless you have any concerns, nothing needs to be done, just let your midwife know at your next routine visit. For some women true labor can take some time to get started.
