Thanks for watching this video, Mama! I hope it answers the question you might have about what contractions feel like! What's one question you have about pregnancy or birth that you haven't found answers for yet?
How long can round ligament pain last (from the initial onset at that moment, until you feel pain free again)? I went to ER because I have lower abdominal pain (in the middle rather than one side or the other) that feels like the start of a menstrual period (dull but constant ache/pain). Baby is ok, checked urine and no UTI, and vaginal exam showed I'm not dilated. Discharged with no diagnosis, so not sure if it's round ligament pain. Tylenol did not help. I'm on day two :(
I'm a forth time mom, 33 weeks along and for the last month if sit or lay down for awhile my personal area becomes terribly sore. What's happening down there?
First time Mom here. I delivered 12/14/21. I didn’t know I was in active labor until I got to about 7 centimeters. My contractions got faster, stronger and longer; so I knew it was time. I couldn’t talk or lie down comfortably anymore. I labored at home for as long as I could. I arrived at my birthing center at 9 centimeters. I finished my transition in the tub for about an hour. I breathed my daughter down and out, didn’t even have to push. My total labor time was under 5 hours. Unmedicated and no complications or issues. I had my first contraction at 1:52. She was born at 6:14 ❤️
@@moments_not_things9575 You definitely can! It all starts with affirmations and positive thoughts! You have to know your “why” if that makes sense. Pain is only temporary. Look at your end goal of holding that precious baby and feeling so empowered after labor and delivery ! 💪🏽💪🏽💪🏽
This is how I've been feeling too I'm 38 weeks in two days. I have gestational diabietes and the baby is bretched so I'm having a C-section next week. Kinda why watching this video can't tell if it's Braxton Hicks or labour. I assume just Braxton Hicks.
I used your breathing technique, gave birth today to my beautiful son, using no drugs or pain medication. I felt every movement he did and I didn't use words like pain to describe anything during that time, just intense, or deep. And I told myself that I am the contractions, its from me, nothing that being done to me. I felt very empovered. I'm happy you share you information and knowledge because it really makes a difference! Thank you 💗
Wow this is a great outlook.... "nothing is being done to me, this IS me"....as a trauma survivor I will definitely use this thought process. Thank you so much!
I have such a high tolerance for pain, I feel like I won't know when my contractions are the start of labor. Update: you can definitely feel the contractions!!!
I chuckled at your comment first and again at your update😂 it reminded of me of the time i told the tattooist i was worried a tattoo on my ribs was going to tickle. We know nothing🙈😂
“FOLLOW YOUR URGE TO PUSH” !!! My OBGYN kept telling me not to push 😤😤😤😤 So much that I started pushing and she almost didn’t even have time to finish putting on her gown 😂 Best advice as I had a natural birth 2 weeks ago, BREATH!!! It sounds crazy but breathing makes a contraction go by so much faster and smoother!!! So take those deep breaths momma and hang on in there because with each contraction your little bundle of joy is getting closer to being in your arms 🥰
I really want to go for a natural birth bc I want to be able to do it on my own without any help of medication and it would be such an amazing thing for me. Any other tips?
zdxz xz My main tip would be to believe in yourself. So many weeks leading up to my birth I would cry and be anxious because I didn’t believe I could do it. You need to stay calm and truly believe that our bodies were meant to do this. Now with that said, also listen to your heart. If you are hurting too much, if you feel like the pain is unbearable and your souls is hurting please consider an epidural. It’s not worth to suffer. Your birth is supposed to be this special moment where you give your all of your strength to meet your baby and you don’t want to be miserable. And you definitely don’t want to make it a traumatizing experience. You got this mama! I believe in you!
Omg the same thing happened to me. They told me it would take at LEAST another 4 hours. But I was in so much pain I just listened to my body and started pushing anyway (they left me ALL ALONE, my hudband was on his way). When my husband got there I told him "something's happening. Go get a doctor". The doctor came in super mad at me that I was "bothering him" since the nurse that checked me said it would take a few more hours. Well, he changed his shitty behavior once he checked my vagina and saw a head coming through! He started freaking out and telling me to wait. Sorry sweetie you made me wait enough. He wanted me to deliver with my OB! Idiot. I don't care I'm not waiting. Less than 10min later she was in my arms. Never giving birth in a hospital again. I'm almost to my due date with number two and I have a midwife this time ❤
I'm three days postpartum and I feel like I had the easiest labor ever. Idk. I was 7 cm dilated and feel hardly to no contractions. no pain really until I was 8 to 9 cm dilated. I only had three to four hard contractions. It was the time when I had to push. I am so grateful as a first time mom to had such an easy and quick delivery. Edit/ November 4th 2022, prior to giving birth I used to walk a lot from month seven, between half an hour to an hour daily. In the 9th month I did everything they say that would help with natural birth and making it easy, for eg, I ate dates I drank castor oil, I would also eat pineapple and do a lot of squats. There is this thing that is called كهف مريم which I used to drink a lot to make birth quicker and easier. Thankfully it help me a lot. I've decided to share this info as well because I believe some of you maybe wondering how did this magic happen. Lol :)
I’m 10 days postpartum and this came up on my feed so I figured I’d check it out! My contractions felt exactly like my worst period cramps and I felt totally fine with no pain in between! I got to the hospital and was 6cm, I didn’t even think I was really in labor because it didn’t hurt “that bad” and I was completely fine in between them!
My first child 11 yrs ago I went into labor at 8 am on my due date the only reason I thought I was in labor was because the cramping was consistent throughout the hours passing. But they lasted all day for me and I didn't go to the hospital until 3am. Didn't get an epidural until I was 5 cm but that was a mistake. No one told me it would prolong anything. I wasn't in pain to even have one. I personally think I could have handled it completely without meds. 17 weeks now and I plan on not touching meds this time. I just dont think Ill need it. And after the clusterf*** of with my old hospital and Dr during labor? I welcome the pain over the screw ups.
As someone who labels child birth as my greatest fear and just gave birth to my first child/daughter 6 days ago, I can tell you that contractions feel like heavy period cramps, literally... it’s the pushing that is the most painful part.
Pushing was the worst for me, although that wasn't a pain thing. I honestly don't even remember that hurting, more pressure than anything. What I remember was being for whatever reason unreasonably afraid of pushing. This was my fourth baby (currently pregnant with baby 5, hopefully a home birth) and the hospital staff just kept saying push, push, push, and it was driving me nuts. I just wanted a minute to breathe but the medically unnecessary urgency in everyone's voice invoked fear in me and I had a LOT of trouble bearing down. This, this time, a home birth!
@@kleinemaus6094 I tend to agree-- I hated everyone telling me to push, counting, etc. With my last baby, they let me do my own thing and I knew just when to push! ;)
Just gave birth 2.5 weeks ago. Did NOT at all feel like period cramps to me. Felt like a big Charlie horse in my sides and back. Definitely felt pressure down below as well every time. First felt contractions at 1pm, didn’t know for sure if I was in labor, and went into active labor at 4pm. It felt pretty strong at this point. Arrived at birth center at 9cm at 645 and pushed baby out at 9:30. It was intense but short and I’m so glad!
That's exactly how I explain it. Like a giant charlie horse in my entire stomach and back. Like someone had me in a vice and was ringing me out. Crazy sensation!
39 weeks today with third baby and somehow I feel like I know nothing !! 😅 binge watching our videos and I love them!! I’ve been so anxious this past week
My first baby I was induced. Labor felt like period cramps. My second baby, I felt the period cramps from 37 weeks until baby was born at 40 weeks. Because I had been told "contractions get longer, stronger, and closer together" I didn't realize how far along I was. My contractions were 2 minutes apart but I only counted the strong ones, so I thought they were 6 minutes apart. My husband delivered our baby in the living room. Count every contraction, ladies!
My water broke before my contractions started and I just felt like I had to poop. I was in the hospital trying to use the bathroom and the nurses kept asking if I’d felt any contractions yet and I kept saying no so they were about to start me on pitocin when they realized my poop cramps were contractions 😂 I didn’t even have to go 🤦🏾♀️
Same thing happened to me,Kept thinking I had to poop ..When I got up from the toilet I felt my babies head already starting to come out..I Was rushed to the delivery room.
Today is my EDD and no pain at 39weeks n 6days...first time mother...um just so anxious n waiting for a strong pain...all this braxton hicks aint fun anymore😣
I am a first time mom and currently at 28 weeks. I am excited yet super nervous and anxious as the time draws nearer but after watching this video along with her other videos, I feel so much more confident! At least I now have an idea of what to expect and methods of going through it. Thank you so much Bridget for your support, comfort, and being so informative!
I'm a first time mum and I'm 31 weeks. I thought to watch these videos to give me some answers and comfort to help with the anxiety and fear. Shes right about the Braxton hicks. They ain't too bad. Good luck to you
Hi, congrats and wishing you safe delivery. I'm currently 30 weeks and 3 days. Due date in August 16th but I feel I may give birth before my due date. I don't know what to expect
I’m 38 weeks pregnant with my third going for a vba2c and my labor started progressing last night. I’m not scared just ready to get this baby out of me and I know he ready to get out of me because he started it 😂😂😂😂😂 gotta stay positive and meditate
I'm not going lie- I'm pregnant with my first and I'm scared. Due to being a bit older, the plan is for me to get induced at 39 weeks which is 19 days away. Thank you for this video. I feel like this is the best one on RU-vid that gives me an idea of what to expect.
Nurse_Shelly you totally got this! It’s easy to be scared but you have to remember that your body is made for this and it is all worth it. “A moment of pain for a lifetime of happiness”
40wks+1day here! First time mom. I'm still not sure if I've experienced a contraction yet. I've felt the tightening at times, but it hasn't been anything painful per say. I'm going to be induced on next Wednesday. I really don't want to do that, so I'm praying my baby girl comes on her own within the next few days. Thanks for this video! Very helpful.
When you said “those contractions are strong but so are you, mama” I started tearing up. I just found your channel recently (37 weeks preggo) and I love your calm and gentle energy
I just delivered my baby about a week ago and MAN- I had no idea how to even tell if I was having a contraction or not. The whole time I was in active labor all the way up until I was 10 cm dilated I felt completely achy, crampy, and my back was aching a lot. Towards the end, my doctor kept telling me to push during a contraction and I had no idea how to tell! Just goes to show that contractions really feel different for everyone, haha!
I laughed at the menstrual pain part. On many occasions I’m bed ridden cause of cramps. Even vomiting because of it. I feel like labor pains will kill me 😵
First time mom here, my due is dec 24 and now i feel all the pain rightnow. I badly need to watch this. Thanks for this information. It really helps🙏🏻 please pray for my normal delivery
I'm really considering on naming my baby ayana but with an "i" so Aiyana. Love love your name. Do you get a hard time with it? Like people/teachers not pronouncing it right or saying it totally wrong
From the UK, having cramps. 39 weeks. Watching these is helping me SO MUCH Bridget! You have helped me so much eith your videos. InshaAllah hoping for a homebirth. I am mentally ready!
It's like you are reading my mind. Your videos are SO helpful and relaxing to watch. I'm currently 37 weeks pregnant preparing for the 'big marathon' and sending your videos to my pregnant mama friends!
@@jessica3451 Girl you will know when you're in labor lol! I found out when my water broke around 9am in the morning and it wouldn't stop leaking. In my experience, labor pain hurts for me. It's the worse part for me. I was at 5cm dilated and decided to have the epidural because it was too painful. I know some mamas out there are different but I wasnt having it. Overall, it was great pregnancy. I would do it all over again. I wish you luck!
@@mjb7246 When I wrote that it was May 05 and I had my baby girl the 6th && let me tell you that YOU were right I most definitely found out what I was experiencing were contrations and went to the hospital @4cm dilated & they diagnosed me with preclampsia && had my baby a few hours later all natural cause it was too late for an epidural which I wish I had asked 4 since I got to the hospital... it was definitely a very painful experience you were so right! Pain was worth my beautiful baby girl congrats to you too♡
One week to go and I'm getting all of that, period cramps, back ache, plevic press and tighten of the stomach 👏👏🥺... Women are super heros 😍❤️🌷.. congrats to all mom's
I think important advice is to try and not fight them. Our natural reaction to pain is to try and fight and it’s hard to relax. I have to keep walking through them and resist them temptation to stop walking
I came here just to say that all of her explanations are somewhat accurate! They do come in waves that get more powerful and closer together. And you can definitely tell the difference to braxton hicks. Also I want to thank you for teaching your viewers how to breath. That was such a big help to me during the first phases of labour. I don't think everything would have gone so well if I didn't have had this knowledge. I gave birth the first time and the entire labour (from first contractions to baby is here) took only 7 hours. I am forever grateful for the information that is provided in these videos!
I’m 36 weeks 5 days & I’ve been feeling period cramps & dull back pain since yesterday! Not super close together, but consistently since yesterday! I’m so ready to meet my baby girl 💖
I was feeling the same thing last night, I'm currently 36 weeks 5 days today 😅 I'm watching this video because I'm afraid I might be in labor soon but happy to see your update that you’re still in 38th week 😅
THANK YOU!! I had an emergency c-section for my first delivery and I’m now 22 weeks pregnant and wanting to learn as much as possible about having a “regular” delivery. I’ll be delivering at a birthing center in Sacramento and I’m really looking forward to experiencing labor, pain and all! Ha. Thanks for this video! I will be watching it again and watching the suggested videos. 💛
Hello did u have ur baby or not yet ? How did it went for u? .. Iam hoping for a v back too ..iam 35 week pregnant and iam feeling preesure in my lower abdomen for several hours now .but I don't know how the contraction feels 🤔
Duaa Khalil Hello. I did already have my second baby... but I had to have another c-section due to preeclampsia again. So I didn’t get to experience contractions or vaginal delivery. Hope all goes well with you!
I am 38 weeks + 2 days and feeling so anxious and excited at the same time. So far I am feeling nothing , just trying to induce the labour naturally by doing exercises❤
With my first, as soon as I hit 5 cm, my contractions overlapped so much I had 0 break in pain. At 8 cm, I had a visceral need to push... I had to breath and focus to NOT push but sometimes it was a feeling so strong my body didn't obey me. Ended up delivery naturally and unmedicated after 13 hours of active labour. Phew. Hoping the second will be a bit less rock n roll
Contractions in active labor feel like “what the hell was I thinking”? Honestly, it feels like someone is wringing out your mid section like a rag then releases it for a minute or two. It’s a very exhausting experience imo but you feel blessed when it’s over.
Contractions felt like period cramps at first for me but once I hit 4cm they were awful like my abdomen was going to explode and horrible pressure it was the most painful thing I’ve ever experienced. I can’t believe so many women go through this
Crownxvictoria i just gave birth i was supposedly due by February the 13th, and let me tell you contractions are no fun ask for epidural its your best friend!!!! 😅💁🏼♀️
I’m getting induced at 8 am today. Having been having any contractions and they say with getting induced the contractions are WORST😭. I’m nervous and scared. I wanna cry so bad. But I’ll remember to breathe
Update: The hospital ended up calling me 4 hours before my induction and said I had to wait because labor and delivery was full. So the same day at 6 pm they call me to say come on to the hospital. I had my beautiful baby boy at 1:25 pm on 4/30. He was 9 pounds and 2.6 oz and I did that with no epidural. I breathed and it really did help alot. So THANK YOUUU for all your videos 😊
First time mom here - I'm in my 35th week and have been experiencing terrible back aches and abdomen at least once per day, but some days it happens all day. My muscles feel tight, tired, and sore like I've worked out! Nothing is cyclical or progressing so I do not believe I'm in labor but I'm becoming more convinced that I really am experiencing contractions. Last night the pain in my ribs woke me up :(
I am now on week 34 and have the exact same symptoms. I am also a first-time mom, and it took me a while to realise they are contractions. I only realised I was having contractions while explaining what I feel to my boyfriend, the only way I could explain it was: "the muscles of the uterus are... contracting", it is not real pain but it's definitely uncomfortable. I also had what you describe: feeling of sickness and acute pain in the stomach region, which lasted for a while, so much so I wasn't fit to go to work at all those days.
My pain tolerance is pretty high so when I feel like I’m dying that’s when I’ll go to the hospital 😂 Bc contractions will be no match for me. I’m 39 weeks btw and haven’t felt a THING
It's different for everyone depending on how your body accepts what's coming, BUT...I will say it was the worst pain of my life x infinity!!! I kept thinking death would be better no joke! I swore I'd never have a 2nd child before my water even broke! But lots of mommas progress faster though, you might be one of the lucky ones! Good luck and God Bless you and your family, you'll make it through no matter the pain level it's all temporary!
That is where I am at right now! I got the contractions monitored and they are pretty regular and apparently hard my doctor was appalled that I couldn't feel them so I guess I'm screwed XD
I want to b a mom so bad, but hearing these stories makes me so scared. ( ik everyone’s body is different & all so it varies per person. ) But I still want to go through it anyway. I don’t want an epidural either. But I pray that I’ll deliver safe, easy & also quick!
The Lovely Mel Chan Someone going through labor lol. Maybe women wanna feel what’s happening “on purpose” so they can easily know what muscles to push with. Aka less likely to tear. Maybe they want a faster labor. Maybe they’re nervous about the long term affects of an epidural. Or maybe they just wanna know what other women went through before them. I don’t know but I sure as hell know it’s not cause they feel pleasure 😂
@The Lovely Mel Chan There is a difference between enjoying pain for the sake of pain (masochism) and enduring pain for the sake of birthing a child. I personally have a pretty intense phobia of epidurals. Giving birth is painful but less frightening for me than getting the epidural. Everyone is different. :)
Im currently at the end of my first trimester in my first pregnancy and binge watching your videos! you have such a calming and gentle energy, plus my name is Bridget too! Love your videos.
Thanks for this video! I am having my second baby in 7 weeks. Feel so unprepared- even though I’ve had a baby (3 years ago). Your videos are so helpful.
I am on baby #3, my first two births were extremely painful. I had “back labor” with both. So it was a very much so excruciating pain in my back. I am PRAYING this time I don’t have back labor as I have heard it is more painful than regular labor
Hey thanks for the information , i am doctor myself ( neuro surgeon) your videos are very helpful and informative i have studied about all this but this is our 1st baby and believe me you i am very very worried and excited all at the same time. God bless you and keep up the god work. i will subscribe now now ! ;)
I have 4 months already, I've been watching you since I knew I was pregnant, I like the way you have walked me through this stage, I'm looking for applying all you've taughted us! Greetings from Chile
My early contractions have started and I was wondering if they were indeed contractions or plain old gas, but gas doesn't last this long and nor does it make my stomach hard.
First time mom here. Already gone into labor and delivery twice with painful af contractions 1 minute long and 5 minutes apart like they say it's supposed to be, but never actual labor 🙃👍
Thank you for this video! First time mom and I’m so confused trying to figure out if I’m having contractions or not. I’m having cramps every 9-12 minutes consistently. Definitely comes and goes in waves like you describe but not close enough together to be active labor. Guess I just need to tough it out! 38 weeks today and hoping to meet my little man soon.
I had back contractions/labor… no words to actually describe the feeling/pain…, and then the pushing part was lol… thank God for supernatural delivery though
FTM and currently pregnant , although I am still scared out of my mind for labor your videos have really put a part of my mind at ease and given me a small amount of faith in myself and thats all I need to convince myself that I can do something.
I’m already 2 1/2cm dilated, my doctors was checking her heartbeat like look at your belly. That’s a contraction lol I’m like I knew it. I had bad period cramps at 4a. I’m so nervous 🥲
I had back contractions during my first experience. I wonder how front contractions feel compared to back contractions. Worse? Not as bad? I paced out my pain, that was my automatic reaction that helped with the pain until I couldn’t withstand it and needed something or someone (my partner) to hold onto. It’s amazing that the body essentially does everything on its own (pushing) and we just help it along. Your videos helped me mentally prepare and I went into L&D without fear. Thank you!
@@coutureitup You do have different type of contractions. Some have back contractions in the lowerback, others experience contractions in the front lower part of their belly. And there are woman who experience leg contractions, sometimes explained as pain arpind the butt and anus.
A contraction feels like when you bang your baby toe hard against something really hard, but move that pain all over your abdomen/pelvis and lady part lol. HOWEVER! Having a support person who actually can remind you to breathe and give you positive affirmations helps tremendously!!!! I labored until 8 cm before epidural. Go mommas who can do it all the way without medication 🙌
Hello I’m a father and loving caring partner I’m here to try get some information on contractions.my partner has a high pain tolerance so she ain’t sure if she’s having contractions so whatever I take from this I would feel really helpful and share what I have learned (you women are amazing thank you all for the love and care you provide to your little or big family one love)
Thank you for the detailed explanation. This helped me a lot as I'm having strong contractions while listening to you and hearings things that I can relate. You made me motivated.
I agree 100%. She is amazing and inspires me every day to keep going with my own youtube channel! I didn't realise how many valuable videos on on youtube to help pregnant women. Bridget is helping women worldwide! She is fab x
I really love your videos, have enjoyed throughout all of my pregnancy and you're so easy to listen to and informative in comparison to others on RU-vid.
never had period cramps either due in 6 days having lower abdomen pain here and there and its already not tolerable omg so scaredd dont know how im gonna deal with contractions im a cry baby when it comes to pain
I enjoyed your thorough and clear explanation but was waiting for the descriptions given by other women in your survey??? would have loved to hear variations of experiences in their own words.
I'm 3 weeks away from my due date. I am now experiencing those mild menstrual cramps like sensations. I also had those "need to poo" cramps, but I'd actually poo here and there, other times not. I had hardening in the upper part of my belly, but one day I had my hand on top of it and learned that it was actually the baby pressing his butt in my rib.
My baby boy was born exactly at 38 weeks. He came just a couple days after my OB checked my cervix. I was 50% effaced and not dialated. I was in active labor at 3am on Sunday 11/17. I didn't know I was in active until things progressed quickly (I paced around a lot and eventually told my fiance to pack his bag). We arrived at the hospital around 7:30am expecting to be sent home, but I was 7cm! Our boy was born 9:15am. No medication and the only thing I complained about was my legs cramping during the pushing! Lol
Ive never had contractions 😭😭😭 Im praying I can go into labor this time even though I'm having a repeat csection. We're expecting our 7th blessing 🤗 in May but 6th bio child, we have custody of my niece 💜. Ive had all csections and want to experience labor at least once 👣🙏
I’m 36 weeks with my first pregnancy, my water broke today, but my cervix is close, they’re inducing me, now waiting for cervix to open and start labor, I’m so nervous 😬.
I watched your video before going to labor and it was so much worse then I ever imagined. 2 yeard later I still can't forget the pain and I opted for epidural at 6cm.
