Dr. Marjorie Greenfield
Specializing in pregnancy and birth.
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 Ask Dr. Greenfield
What Contractions Feel Like | | | QUESTION | | | Dear Dr. Greenfield,
This is my first pregnancy and I am a little nervous about the labor process. Can you describe to me what contractions feel like, and if they compare to any other type of physical occurrence (like stomach cramps)? I've heard some women say that they were having them and didn't even know it!— Nervous Nellie | | | ANSWER |
April 11, 2003 | | | Dear Nervous Nellie,
In a first pregnancy, it is hard to imagine not being a bit nervous about labor--especially with all the wild and scary tales that people like to tell. As you read about childbirth and hear stories from friends, keep in mind that each labor is different, and that you can exert some control over your experience by using anesthesia (like epidural) and non-medical comfort measures like relaxation breathing and warm water therapy.
Early labor often feels like the Braxton-Hicks or false labor contractions you may already be having--a balling up or tightening across your lower abdomen or lower back, or a feeling like menstrual cramps. As labor proceeds, the contractions get longer and stronger. They might feel like the cramps you get with diarrhea or constipation, lasting up to a minute, but they may be different than anything you have experienced before. Your whole uterus will get very hard to the touch during a contraction, and completely relaxed for the minutes between. In active labor most women without medications have to work to keep themselves calm and focused during a contraction, and can't hold a normal conversation.
While preterm labor can be painless, it is very rare to be unaware of labor contractions in a full term pregnancy. Some women find them mild and tolerable, but they are usually conscious that something is happening. More typically, in my experience, a first time mother will notice contractions and think "this is it!" when actually she may be in early labor or even having a false alarm. For most first time mothers, active labor contractions are surprisingly intense.
No matter how worried you are about childbirth, though, remember that labor is but one or maybe two days in your life, and out of this process your body will achieve a true miracle--the birth of a whole little person, who will be a member of your family forever. Congratulations!
— by Marjorie Greenfield, M.D. |
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