What does a contraction feel like?

For me, contractions felt like a pressure on my cervix (like being penetrated too deep lol sorry :P) and menstrual like cramps. They lasted for around 20 to 40 seconds (depending on how far along in labour you are) and went away again. between contractions I felt totally normal. I knew my labour had started after 3 or 4 regular contractions, around 8 minutes apart. My waters broke 15 minutes before she was born lol Got some relief after that had happened. And pushing feels like having a nice big poop lol you will see what I mean when its your turn. I got through labour with my TENS machine and breathing. Had some gas and air but it only really made my feet and hands go numb lol Still it gave me something to hold! Its intense but sooo worth it. You get the best reward of all afterwards! Good luck hunni! XXX

Its been a long time but it is a pain I will never forget - I was induced and the labour kicked in at the second stage and when I had that contraction I screamed as I thought I was going to die, then I got an epidural and no more pain. My daughter has had 2 children and she claims it is not as painful as monthly cramp, so that shows everyone is different.?

theyre like a strong period pain, where you cant move or talk while youre having them. i knew id gone into labour when i was getting strong pains every 4 minutes and they were getting stronger and more regular, they were every 2 minutes by the time i got to hospital. your body knows what its doing naturally just make sure you breathe through them and dont fight them or they feel more painful, gas and air is great for getting through them. good luck.

Aimee's Mummy is right. They feel like extremely bad period pains that get worse and worse and closer together. The absolute best way to get through them is to close your eyes, breathe and relax your entire body as much as you can and they won't be that bad.

Feels like some 1 jabbed a knife into ya. But it is so worth it!. it is like a regular period cramp only 10x worse.

oh you will know.the worse period pains or back ache.altho some people hardly aware but they rare

like strong period pains or like diarrhoea cramps