You may be able to sleep or do other activities while experiencing them.

Or they may be strong at first and then get weaker. What do contractions feel like? Usually, they’re intermittent and variable, seven to ten or even twenty or more minutes apart. Learn how to identify contractions and what you should do if you’re having them. Still, the specific way your body experiences contractions will be individual to you and not everyone will have the same answer to the “what do contractions feel like?” question. Where do you feel the pain? Contractions are usually weak and do not get much stronger. What do contractions feel like? They don’t always travel through the whole uterus," the website noted.

There are several different types of contractions, and they’re not all associated with labor. Braxton Hicks contractions feel like a tightening of the abdomen and tend to be focused in one area. Also, how far apart (in your individual experience) were they when they started? What do contractions feel like?

These contractions may be slightly uncomfortable and feel like mild to moderate menstrual cramps. I am curious as to what contractions feel like when you first start to go into labor. What are the different types of contractions?

For you, early contractions may feel quite painless or mild, or they may feel very strong and intense. If you’re a first-time mom, you might be wondering what contractions feel like. As your labor progresses, your contractions may start out as a low-level menstrual cramp feeling and will get stronger and more intense as labor progresses.

What do labor contractions feel like?

We turned to a doctor and real women who have been there to get the scoop. What do early contractions feel like?

You're counting down the days until your due date — but long before that, you may start feeling the contractions that will help your baby make his appearance.

To help figure out if you’re experiencing early labor contractions or Braxton Hicks, you can start timing contractions and look at the pattern.

Typically, real labor contractions feel like a pain or pressure that starts in the back and moves to the front of your lower abdomen. Ah, the big question.

Contractions can feel like a very strong menstrual cramp or tightening in your lower abdomen. Contractions feel different for each woman and may feel different from one pregnancy to another. There are so many questions, especially if you're a first-time mom, but don't worry. Contractions actually feel different if you’re in early labor versus active labor. How do I know if they’re just Braxton Hicks?

If it’s not, it’s more likely to be around five to 12 hours (NICE, 2017).