description of contractions Posted: 06-23-08 10:14am
Hi everyone! I'm new to the site and have
a question. I'm 37 1/2 weeks pregnant.
This is my 2nd child. My first was born
at 33 weeks due to severe preeclampsia, so
all of this 3rd trimester stuff is new to
me. I have a fetal non-stress test every
week and they show me when I have a
contraction, but I cannot feel them at
all. I can look at it happening on the
chart, but nothing feels different to me.
I'm scared I'm going to have this baby on
the couch and never feel one. The dr and
nurses assure me that I'll feel the real
thing eventually. Can anyone describe one
better than the uterus tightening? Call
me stupid, but I don't even know at this
point where my uterus is. I have heard
that your stomach gets real hard and
tight, and I do feel that, but I think
it's just the baby's head (or feet or
something). Can anyone please give me a
better description of a contraction?
Thank you.
Reese
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Lilly Ivy
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Posted: 06-23-08 10:35am
The contractions you see on the NST are
most likely BH contractions. Once the REAL
contractions come on, you'll know it.
I was induced, and my contractions never
got too severe (had a c-section). My
contractions got to the point where they
felt like bad menstrual cramps. I've heard
that they get more and more intense. I
highly doubt you're not going to feel
them, unless you have no pain or pressure
receptors from your waist down.
Good Luck!
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Ingi
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Joined: 09 Mar 2006 Posts: 8924 Location: Grinning like a Cheshire Cat,
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Posted: 06-23-08 11:49am
Hard and tight and painful, like a muscle
contracted as hard as it can and hold
it... hold it... hold it... slowly
release... slowly... slowly...
Its kind of like that, in a rhythmic
pattern. Add in a touch of pain, just a
little, and that is the begining of some
labors.
Trust me, you start having enough
contractions and you are going to know
what it is.