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What Do Pregnancy Labor Pains Feel Like?

Having a baby is the most wonderful event in a woman's life. There is no greater miracle than bringing a life into the world. Regardless of the anxiety felt during pregnancy, once a woman has a baby in her arms it is well worth the pain. However, many women are worried that they will not know when they are going into labor and may not know what a contraction or labor feels like.

  1. Pressure

    • In the early stages of labor, there is often more pressure in the groin from the baby pressing down than pain. Pressure may also be felt in the back. It can be so mild that a woman may not realize she is in labor.

    Mild Cramping

    • Contractions feel like light menstrual cramping in the early stages. The cramping may also radiate to the lower back region as well. Contractions can be described as coming and going like a wave.

    Gas

    • Often the beginning of labor feels like bad gas. Many women will confuse it with flu-like symptoms.

    Tightening

    • Many women describe contractions as a tightening feeling. The tightening will increase and come in faster phases as labor progresses.

    Progression

    • As the contractions grow closer together, they increase in pain. The pain can be described as the worse menstrual cramps one has ever felt, multiplied by 100. However, not all women feel pain the same.

    Positive

    • Labor is one of the most painful experiences a woman will go through. However, to get through the pain, it is best to think of the contractions as positive. Remember that each contractions brings one closer to the birth.

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