Can you defiantly tell?

if it just feels like pressure they're what I called - "fake" contractions (braxton hicks)

if they have a little pain to them they're "real" contractions...

I always wondered about this, too. but you WILL know when they are "real" contractions.

Congratulations and Good Luck!! :)

Some women have contractions and don't realize that's what it really is. They think its just small cramps or that the baby is shifting around. I had what I thought was back spasms on and off for a couple days before our third child was born. Turns out it was contractions. It was the first time I had ever had back labor, so I didn't know what it felt like. There are also something known as "Braxton Hicks" which aren't TRUE contractions, but can feel the same. Sometimes its hard for women to determine what's true active labor and what are just BH's.

The first contractions may be hard to tell, they kinda feel like period cramps. But you can't mistake them when they are the real thing, like once labor is kicking in, they are like nothing you have ever felt and you WILL know what they are. Trust Me!

It may be hard to tell in the beginning.. I didnt notice right away .. when my stomach had begun to tighten to the point that you could see a difference .. But the next morning when contractions came I knew for sure.. and they only progressed so there was never a doubt in my mind Lol

but everyone is different