Labor contractions may feel like discomfort or a dull ache in the lower back, along with a tightening sensation across the abdomen and pelvic pressure. Some compare contractions to intense period cramps or the pressure of a bowel movement. There may also be groin, thigh, and side pain.
While labor contractions can be mild at first, they grow longer, stronger, and closer together over time. In comparison, Braxton-Hicks contractions—also called practice contractions or false labor—often feel like a squeezing of the abdomen that stays consistent.
Not everyone experiences contractions in the same way. This article explains what contractions may feel like at different stages of pregnancy, labor, and the postpartum period.
What Happens Each Week During Pregnancy?
Braxton-Hicks Contractions
Braxton-Hicks contractions may begin as early as your fourth month of pregnancy. They are your body’s way of preparing for labor.
These contractions feel like a tightening sensation in the abdomen. Unlike labor contractions, they do not follow a pattern. Often, they change or stop with one of the following:
- Moving
- Sleeping
- Eating
- Drinking
If you are near your due date, one way to distinguish Braxton-Hicks contractions from the real deal is by trying one of the above to see if it makes them stop.
Braxton-Hicks contractions may occur more frequently the closer you are to your due date. They may be triggered by:
- Activity
- A full bladder
- Sex
- Dehydration
Braxton-Hicks contractions are not an emergency. They are present in all pregnancies, although people may experience them differently.
However, if you are feeling them four or more times in an hour and you are not close to your due date, check with your healthcare provider to ensure they are not preterm labor contractions.
Early Labor Contractions
Early labor contractions are mild. They usually come every five to 15 minutes and last 60 to 90 seconds. These contractions often feel “crampy.” You may also feel a tightening sensation that begins in your low back and radiates toward the front of your abdomen.
Begin timing contractions in early labor. Timing contractions may help you see a consistent pattern and determine when to head to the hospital.
Early labor is also when you may lose your mucus plug (a collection of mucus located at the cervix). When this happens, you may notice blood-tinged discharge or a small amount of bleeding. This level of bleeding and discharge is not unusual. If, however, you notice bleeding that is as heavy as a menstrual period, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
What Are Cramps During Pregnancy?
Feeling of Early Labor vs. Braxton-Hicks
Early labor contractions are often confused with Braxton-Hicks contractions. That’s because early labor contractions usually start relatively mild and can take a little while to establish a pattern.
Verywell / Shideh Ghandeharizadeh
Sometimes the only way to distinguish between practice and actual contractions is with time. Early labor contractions will continue regardless of activity and will increase in strength and duration.
The following list details some ways you can distinguish between early labor and Braxton-Hicks contractions.
Early Labor
Contractions have a pattern.
They get closer together over time.
They continue even when you rest or move around.
They get stronger over time.
Pain may start in the back and move to the front.
Braxton Hicks
Contractions don't follow a pattern.
They do not increase in frequency.
They may stop with rest or movement.
They do not increase in intensity.
Pain is often only felt in the abdomen.
Active Labor Contractions
Active labor is still first-stage labor, but it is more intense than early first-stage labor. At this stage, there is no doubt you are in labor. Your contractions are more consistent, more painful, and closer together.
Active labor contractions feel like early labor contractions but stronger. You may feel the sensation in your back as well as your abdomen. In addition, you may feel cramps in your upper legs.
Other signs of active labor include:
- Vomiting
- Water breaking
- Urge to push when transitioning to the second stage
Transition
Transition is often the most challenging and overwhelming part of labor. During this period, contractions may feel like a lot of pressure in your lower back and bottom, and you may begin to feel like you need to push during contractions.
This period of shifting from first-stage labor (opening of the cervix) to second-stage labor (pushing) usually lasts between 15 minutes to an hour.
Back Labor
Not everyone experiences back labor, but for those who do, it can be very uncomfortable. Back labor contractions feel like intense lower back pain. It is caused by the pressure of the fetus’s head against the low back.
Contractions During Pushing
During the pushing phase of labor, also known as the second stage, contractions feel like the urge to have a bowel movement.
Contractions during the second stage often slow down considerably. For example, they were probably coming every couple of minutes at the end of first-stage labor. But, in the second stage, they space out to maybe five minutes apart.
During the first stage of labor, contractions open (dilate) and thin (efface) the cervix. During the second stage, contractions serve to expel the fetus from the uterus.
Post-Birth Contractions
After you've given birth, you will continue to have contractions to help expel the placenta. Contractions are often less intense than the contractions that you felt during the other stages of labor and may feel like menstrual cramps.
This is known as the third stage of labor and usually takes between five and 30 minutes.
Even after the placenta is delivered, you will have contractions in the postpartum period. These contractions work to bring your uterus down to its pre-pregnancy size.
Breastfeeding stimulates uterine contractions. So, if you breastfeed, you will continue to have contractions. However, most people don’t experience discomfort from the contractions after the first few days following childbirth.
Summary
Contractions can feel different throughout pregnancy and labor. You may feel Braxton Hicks contractions starting in the fourth month of your pregnancy. These contractions may feel like a tightening sensation and don't follow a pattern.
Early labor contractions may feel crampy and come every five to 15 minutes. In active labor, your contractions will become more consistent, more painful, and closer together. Post birth, contractions will continue to help expel the placenta and bring your uterus back down in size.
A Word From Verywell
Keep in mind that contractions serve a different purpose during various stages of pregnancy and labor. This can impact how they feel. Becoming familiar with the usual symptoms of contractions can help you prepare for what lies ahead.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I go to the hospital for contractions?
You should go to the hospital when you have painful contractions that last for at least one minute each and are occurring every five minutes for at least two hours. You should also go if your water breaks, even if you aren't having contractions.
Learn More: How to Know If You're in Labor
Can you have mild contractions for days?
Yes. You can have mild, or even painful contractions for hours, days, or weeks before going into active labor. This means that beginning at 37 weeks, you may experience mild to painful contractions as a result of what's called prodromal labor.
Do period like cramps mean labor is near?
For many women, the earliest sign of labour is a cramping feeling - a bit like period pains. You may also have a bit of pain in your lower tummy or back. It's also very common to experience diarrhoea or to feel sick or nauseous.How do I know if its cramps or labor?
Contractions move in a wave-like motion from the top of the uterus to the bottom. Some women describe contractions as strong menstrual cramps. Unlike false labor contractions or Braxton Hicks contractions, true labor contractions don't stop when you change your position or relax.How do contractions feel when they first start?
Your contractions may feel like cramps in your lower stomach and can start off feeling like period pain. You may have dull lower back pain or pain in your inner thigh that you feel down your legs. At first, your contractions will be short and around 30 minutes apart.