What Do Contractions Feel Like + What Happens During a Contraction

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?

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 :)

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 ❤️

Dad here just being anxious watching more videos than fiancee 😂

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 💗

One of the most empowering thoughts I remind myself of during labor is that a contraction could never be stronger than I can handle because it’s part of me. It’s not like pain being done to you. This is pressure that comes from deep within your muscles. It is productive pressure.

38 wks and these early contractions have me like...wtf I haven’t felt period cramps in a loooong time

Not me on my 6th baby and still watching this.🥴🤣 EVERY pregnancy I’m like “is this a contraction?” Lol 🤦🏾‍♀️🤣

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’m a THIRD time mom laying in bed wondering if this is labor or just another night of practice misery. 😆😩

“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’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!

I'm 5 weeks from my due date and VERY thankful I found your channel! 💕

I’m a midwifery student/ doula 31 weeks pregnant with twins. I’m going to give my husband your channel and watch a lot of these videos with him as child birth Ed isn’t happening these days with Covid. Thank you!!!

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 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!

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.

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

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!

I'm about a month away from my first baby's arrival and needed this video! Thank you!