Are you scared that you won't know you are having actual contractions?

Everyone says the BH contractions are supposed to make you feel a tightening in your stomach, but mine dont. Instead I always feel AF like cramps that will last like a min. My Dr told me I cant have anymore than 6 an hour or else I could be going into labor

I am just scared I am not going to know when I am having an actual contraction that counts, KWIM?

Re: Are you scared that you won't know you are having actual contractions?

I get long BH contractions and my belly dosen't get tight either. I just get the cramps. I was nervous about being able to recognize the "signs of labor" until DH and I took the lamamze/birthing class. I think that the BH contractions will mimic regular labor, but regular contractions will be more frequent and a little more intense. My dr. said that as long as they aren't 5 minutes apart of less, I am fine.

Re: Are you scared that you won't know you are having actual contractions?

I had my first biophysical and non-stress test yesterday and they tested for contractions. I didn't think I was having any contractions - just feeling the baby move. According to the test, I did have a few contractions. I just thought it was the baby moving and still don't know the difference!

Re: Are you scared that you won't know you are having actual contractions?

Well over the weekend I landed in L&D because I was having some pressure. It turned out I was having contractions pretty frequently and didn't even know about them- I thought it was the baby moving. Since then, I have been able to recognize that I am still having them frequently and some are a lot stronger then other. I think once "real labor" starts they will become a lot more intense and noticable... at least I hope I will notice!!

Re: Are you scared that you won't know you are having actual contractions?

Don't worry! Once you are in labor, you will know that something is different...my contractions didn't feel like I expected, but I knew that something was going on that was not "normal"...if in doubt, you can always call the doctor and get checked out!

Re: Are you scared that you won't know you are having actual contractions?

I am a little nervous too but I expect that when you're in real labor the contractions will be more intense and hurt more. I do get BH now but it's just a tight feeling in my abdomen and it doesn't last long nor does it really feel like anything. I think the real thing will feel much different. I am also nervous about if and when my water breaks. What if I'm in bed? On the couch? I feel like I should carry a garbage bag around with me everywhere I go for when I sit down just in case.

Message edited 7/23/2008 8:37:37 AM.