are labor contractions like period cramps?
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Labor contractions may feel like menstrual cramps. Really bad menstrual cramps. At least, that's the most common description that's bandied about. "It starts out like menstrual cramps—and the crampy sensation progressively gets worse and worse," Dr. du Treil says.
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It may feel similar to menstrual period cramps. These minor pains may be caused by different factors like implantation, constipation or gas, or the womb expanding and your ligaments stretching to make room for your baby. If the pain is mild and goes away on its own, it's likely nothing to worry about.
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Early in pregnancy, many women experience cramping that feels similar to menstrual cramps. The expanding uterus or rising progesterone levels may be responsible for this symptom. Some women worry that cramping is a sign of pregnancy loss.
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9. You feel stronger, more frequent contractions. Contractions are an early sign of active labor — except when they aren't. You can experience Braxton Hicks contractions (or "practice contractions") for weeks and even months before delivery.
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It's not unusual to have period-type cramps in early pregnancy as the fetus settles into the wall of the womb. This can also cause spotting. Although it is likely to be harmless, see a doctor if you have any bleeding.
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Typically, real labor contractions feel like a pain or pressure that starts in the back and moves to the front of your lower abdomen. Unlike the ebb and flow of Braxton Hicks, true labor contractions feel steadily more intense over time. During true labor contractions your belly will tighten and feel very hard.
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If you touch your abdomen, it feels hard during a contraction. You can tell that you're in true labor when the contractions are evenly spaced (for example, five minutes apart), and the time between them gets shorter and shorter (three minutes apart, then two minutes, then one).
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Some of these can be very subtle, and you may not even notice them. Contractions are the most common first sign of labor. Just before you go into labor, your cervix, the lower part of your uterus, will soften, thin out, and shorten. You may feel a little discomfort, maybe even a few light, irregular contractions.
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Braxton Hicks contractions may be uncomfortable, but they don't cause labor or open your cervix. Unlike true labor, Braxton Hicks contractions: Usually aren't painful.
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After delivery, the uterus contracts and shrinks back to its normal size. As this happens, it can cause some lower abdominal cramps that are referred to as afterpains. 1﻿ These pains can feel like menstrual cramps.
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Implantation cramps feel similar to menstrual cramps, and they're mild in intensity. Some women perceive light pulling, tingling, or pricking sensations. Where Do You Feel Implantation Cramps? Many women detect implantation cramping in their lower abdomen and lower back.
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After writing to a medical source, I finally got an explanation for this cramping experience: During arousal, prostaglandins stimulate natural lubrication of the vagina in anticipation of intercourse. Those same prostaglandins also can cause menstrual-like cramps in the uterus.
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Between contractions, the uterus relaxes and the abdomen becomes soft. The way a contraction feels is different for each woman, and may feel different from one pregnancy to the next. But labor contractions usually cause discomfort or a dull ache in your back and lower abdomen, along with pressure in the pelvis.
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Many say they feel like mild menstrual cramps. Braxton Hicks contractions may be uncomfortable, but they don't cause labor or open your cervix. Unlike true labor, Braxton Hicks contractions: Usually aren't painful.
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How to know you're in early labor. You'll experience mild to moderate contractions that last 30 to 45 seconds, though they can be shorter, and might be regular or irregular. They may be spaced around 20 minutes apart and become progressively closer together, but not necessarily in a consistent pattern.
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Implantation cramps can feel exactly like menstrual cramps The cramping you feel could be an early sign of pregnancy, also known as implantation cramping. When a fertilized egg burrows into the lining of the uterus and sets up shop, the process is called implantation.
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During your period, your uterus contracts to help shed its lining. These contractions are triggered by hormone-like substances called prostaglandins. Higher levels of prostaglandins are associated with more severe menstrual cramps. Some people tend to have more severe menstrual cramps without any clear cause.