what do contractions feel like?

emzally

Im 30 weeks and for the past few nights I get this terrible hardening pain on my lower belly, causes me to have short breaths. I know its not gas Bcuz it doesn't feel like that. Usually lasts for five minutes and then feels like nothing happend, can someone help me im jus worried. Thanx

LillieBug

Might be braxton hicks especially since the pain doesn't radiate and there isn't a repeating pattern. Kinda forget exactly what those feel like bc I never had very many.

emzally

That's y im nervous bcuz im only 7 and half months, isn't that too early to start getting contractions?

LillieBug

Not really for the braxton hicks ones. I think its supposed to be ur bodies way of kinda practicing for the real deal. I do remember that hard feeling that starts below the belly button now. Real contractions don't start that low and they don't stay in that one place either

emzally

O I forgot the pain moves all around my lower belly, it dosent stay in one place.

LillieBug

If I remember right real ones start at the top of the uterus and move out from that point. The top should be around 3-5 inches above ur belly bottom by now. I am 26 wks and my currently breech babies head is at least that far above my belly button according to the ultrasound last week.

emzally

Thank you for advice, I was really nervous;)

Boho_Chic

I hear that braxton hicks can start as early as 8 weeks I think. But they typically only last 5 minutes and are more of discomfort than pain. Contractions increase in pain and beome closer and closer together and once they start they dont stop.

emzally

Thank you I didn't know that braxton hicks could start early

mom2six2011

I started getting braxton hicks at 16 weeks and they can be somewhat painful. Real contraction will get closer and become more regular.

emzally

I think its definitely braxton hicks now, cuz mine are very painful