What does a contraction feel like?

Hi Tara … a contraction feels quite a bit like a menstrual cramp, only more severe in intensity. Not every woman experiences it the same, however. You may notice that you are having light cramps and are unsure whether or not you are actually in labour. There is one simple rule, and that’s to time the pains. If you are getting cramps every 10 or 15 minutes without fail, then you are likely in real labour. False labour pains are sporadic. Also, you may find yourself nesting. This is a surge of energy that women get a day or two before going into labour. You will have the strange desire to clean everything … it’s a woman’s instinct to prepare the home for the new arrival. If you find your labour pains are following a pattern, then you should go to the hospital. When you should go depends on how long it takes you to get there. For example, if you have to drive for 30 minutes to get to the hospital, don’t wait until your contractions are 5 minutes apart. If your water breaks, you need to go to the hospital immediately, regardless of whether or not you are experiencing contractions.