What do contractions feel like?

Question

I'm 39 weeks and feeling TONS of pressure down below like as in it will make me start breathing heavily, it doesnt exactly 'hurt' its just the worst pressure I have ever felt. I thought I heard contractions were supposed to hurt like a cramp? This is just the worst pressure I have ever felt, when I try to walk I have to stop because I feel him extremely extremely low. Havent had any discharge or anything like that. I'm 39 weeks and 2 days pregnant.

Answer 1

I always give the same example, although not every woman feels them exactly the same.

Imagine a boa constrictor with a stop watch has inconveniently wrapped itself around the small of your back and across your belly button.  

As a contraction starts, the snake begins to squeeze your back and slowly tightens across your sides and ends at your belly button.  At first, the squeezes are not too hard, you can breath fine and feel only like "ooohh, what was that?".  He starts to use his watch and right on time every so many minutes, he repeats the squeeze just like he did the first time.  

As time passes, he gets meaner and starts to squeeze harder, for a longer duration and at closer intervals.  You can't breath, talk or really move while it's happening although you feel fine when it's not.

At the very end, he's squeezing and not letting go, except to pulse the squeeze even tighter for a long time at even more rapid intervals until suddenly you have the urge to push which is an entirely new feeling.

Answer 2

First off, congrats! Any day now one way or the other. Contractions are different for everyone, sorry to say! Mine were similar to Braxton Hicks- my entire belly would get hard as a board then it would slowly subside.  

Answer 3

Your body is most likely adjusting to the new position of your baby as your baby begins to drop into place. Although it may feel as though your baby will just drop out when you are walking, this will not happen. You will adjust to the new positioning in a few days. Warm baths, swimming and walking can help with this. Best wishes, G

Answer 4

umm is just painful man, is the worst thing you can feel, and trust me aint trying to scare you, but you feel a lot of pain in the back

Answer 5

You should drink a couple of glasses of water and lay on your left side. If the contractions stay consistent, then they could be real... if they last for an hour and have a timeable rhythm, call labor/delivery and see what they say.