What do contractions feel like?

Contractions and their intensity will be felt differently depending on your pain threshold, anatomy and the position of your baby. All muscles contract, including the uterus, which tightens to help guide your baby out of the womb. Contractions may feel like period cramps, sensations that radiate from your back to your front, dull back pain and/or pelvic pressure. Some people describe the feeling of a contraction as a wave. This is because it builds in intensity, peaks and then slowly decreases.

During a contraction you will feel your belly tighten and it may feel as hard as a basketball at its peak. Contractions often start like mild period cramps that come and go, and they slowly build up in power.

How can I reduce the discomfort?

During contractions, it’s important to breathe deeply, imagining your breath going all the way down and encircling your baby. Positions that take the pressure off your lower back and work with gravity can be effective in reducing contraction discomfort. Consider leaning forward and resting on a yoga ball, resting on your hands and knees, leaning forward in assisted child pose or standing and leaning forward on a table.

You will spend a lot more time in between contractions than during the contractions themselves. Make use of these rests by slowing down your breathing, staying hydrated, and relaxing your body/sleeping.

Koble sessions:

Signs and symptoms of labour by Dr Yolanda Kirkham (MD)