Do contractions have to be painful when you're in actual labor?

Question

So I'm 3 days past my due date and all day today I've been having contractions that I can feel from the top of my belly all the way down to the bottom, but they really don't hurt but my belly is as hard as a rock. Sometimes they feel a little like period cramps, but not every time. So I guess my question is, if I keep getting contractions without pain, yet are still consistent...does that mean I could be in labor? Or do they have to hurt?

Answer 1

It could mean you are in labour especially when your feeling mild period cramping. If you think you are give your dr a call they may want to examine you to know for sure. But I've heard of many people who say labour isn't painful at all, more annoying so it's entirely possible. Maybe you just have a higher pain threshold then some. Good luck I hope your holding your little angel soon.

Answer 2

my dr. said not to bother heading to the hospital unless they were so painful i couldnt speak thru them.  she said this isnt necessarily the case with 2nd and 3rd and so on children, but with the first i guess you generally have more time.  i was induced at 41 weeks

Answer 3

sounds as though you are in early stages of labor...  thats how mine started about midnight...  through out the day the stayed the same only getting more frequent.  I finally went the the hospital around 7pm and it took till about 9  for them to become painful... I had my baby boy at 315 that next monring...  good luck to you!

Answer 4

Nope I only had a few painful contractions...mostly just uncomfortable ones!! Keep in mind though..I had a very short and easy labor and delivery! Went into the hospital at 3:30 mostly bc

I was tired of waiting around and had lost my plug and had my sweetheart at 7:55 by emergency c-section!! Slept the whole time in between!! They took her by c-section bc her heart rate dropped really low!!

Answer 5

You definitely could be in labor.  First, time the contractions and see if there is a consistency in the timed intervals. Next, call the maternity ward at the hospital and describe your condition.  You may need to go it to see if you are dilated.  You do not have to be in extreme pain to be in labor.  Every pregnancy is different.  Best of luck to you for a relaxing and easy delivery :)