[KirstyB]

Is a contraction more like a cramp or a sharper sort of pain?

Where is the pain mostly.. stomach.. down below?

I was having slight cramps and they were showing up as contractions but they don't seem to have done anything so I'm thinking they were just stronger BH.
I also keep getting sharper pains down below which stop me in my tracks but I'm thinking that's just his head hitting my cervix or something.

Just thought I'd ask anyway

[TeresaSuperMama]

The sharp pain doesn't sound like a cx to me, more like baby hitting a nerve or something. I get those too. Now that baby is way down in my pelvis I seem to be getting them more. Cx are more like a tightening type pain. For me they feel like baby is tightening up into a ball and a squeezing type pain.

[psbpb]

it is also more of a build up.... you can feel it start to tighten and feel the pressure/tightness come to a peak then start to decrease. Little jabs and twinges are more of the baby moving. CX are like BH just stronger and more regular

[ZZ0607]

Pressure. In active labor, massive pressure. I think it manifests a little differently for each woman, especially where you feel it first.

[MamaAnna]

For me this time the contractions were just in my pelvic region and it was like menstrual cramps except very, very sharp. They didn't do the usual build up and decline either. I could feel an increase in pressure with each one and then the pain would hit, linger, and then just suddenly let up once the pressure started to recede. It's a pretty unique feeling.

[momma2princesses]

Mine always started like period cramps down low...sometimes starting in my lower back (right above tailbone) and wrapping around. Then they progressively get higher and worse

[Pyrodjm]

Mine felt like bad menstrual cramps.

[KMH]

I agree with the menstral cramp description...each one built up to a peak and then gradually let off until it was gone.

[rainbow_brite19]

period cramps here too, pretty down low. And a TON of pressure. I really didn't even feel any tightening at all which is why I didn't think I was in labor. I was too focused on the pressure.

[Trish36]

For me it is more like a really really really bad period type cramp. it starts off slowly and then hits you full force where you just want to squirm around like crazy and don't know what to do with yourself. It's mosly in my lower area, even though the stomach gets really hard. Now that is active labor. usually after I reach 3cm. Hope that helps

[Magicaledelishus]

Originally Posted by KMH

I agree with the menstral cramp description...each one built up to a peak and then gradually let off until it was gone.

Exactly!

[knightsgirl]

When I was induced, my contractions started out feeling like mild period cramps. So, if you're having those, then I'd say you're feeling contractions. When they got stronger and more intense, to me they did feel very sharp and painful. But if you're just having random sharp pains, that's probably baby poking a nerve or some organ he/she shouldn't be poking!