What Does A Contraction Feel Like? 15 Moms Spill The Details

Hey there mama, you’re pregnant and you are trying to figure out what do contractions feel like exactly? You are not alone. I know giving birth, especially for the first time can be a little overwhelming, because how are you supposed to know what to expect when you’ve never done it before and can’t really experience it until you do it?

Well, as a doula that has helped hundreds of mothers in person, and thousands of mothers inside my birth class. I have a few tools to help you prepare for the feelings and sensations of contractions. I would like to help you move past your fear about handling them, into a place where you feel confident and capable, and maybe even look forward to giving birth. 

Giving birth to a life you created and nourished for 9 months is a very special experience. So let’s talk about what contractions feel like so you don’t have to worry about it anymore. 

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What Do Contractions Feel Like In Each Phase Of Labor? 

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The first thing you need to know is that contractions don’t feel the same all the way through labor. Like signposts on a long drive, the changes in the sensations of contractions are strong markers that give you an idea of how far you are in labor. These are the different stages where contractions feel uniquely differently: 

1. Prelabor 
2. Early labor
3. Active labor
4. Transition
5. Pushing
6. Delivering the placenta

Let’s explore each part of labor so you know what to expect and what you will feel with contractions at each stage.

What Do Contractions Feel Like: Prelabor

When contractions first start, they feel just like your arm flexing. Many women will first observe that their tummy looks hard and well, flexed. But it does not require much attention or focus. They come, they go, they may feel strong for an hour, and then they disappear. 

Some women describe these prelabor contractions like mild cramps or gas pains. Other signs of prelabor are your baby dropping down, losing your mucus plug, a bloody show, or a mild backache.

Typically prelabor can go on for a few hours to a few weeks or even come and go for months before your due date. The contractions are sometimes referred to as Braxton Hicks. Contractions last only a few seconds and can have several minutes or hours between them.

This is a time to relax, rest, and find a sense of peace and excitement. These contractions are doing work and creating change in your body and while they may be a bit uncomfortable, they usually do not hurt. Soon they will increase in intensity and require more focus from you. 

But until then, go about your life. Prioritize self care, long baths, watching tv with a heating pad, going for walks, preparing and eating delicious meals, spending time with family, getting projects done etc. If you can ignore it, or somewhat function through life, it is not likely to be real labor contractions yet. 

Another common prelabor pattern is to be woken up with contractions several nights in a row leading up to labor. If you have contractions only at night, that disappear in the morning, make sure to prioritize naps.

When Should You Call Your Provider In Prelabor? 

Your provider is likely to be unbothered and unconcerned about cramps and feeling uncomfortable in prelabor. But, there are a few exceptions to the rule. You should call your provider if: 

1. If you are bleeding – while a bit of bloody show is normal a few days before labor, but you should not fill up a pad. If you have any worries at all, call your midwife or doctor. 
   
2. If your water breaks – this may or may not change the care you receive going forwards. 
   
   
3. If you have sharp pains that do not go away. Lightning crotch, leg cramps,  round ligament pain, and cramps are all normal. Sharp pains in your legs, with swelling could be a sign of a blood clot, and a headache that doesn’t go away, especially if you have vision impairment could be a sign of preeclampsia. Itching feet could be a sign of liver complications. If you’re experiencing new and uncomfortable symptoms, call your provider and ask.
   
4. If your baby fails a kick count or you notice a significant change in their movement patterns. 

The lesson here is that if you feel like something is not right in your body, it doesn’t hurt to get it checked out. Worst case scenario, you waste a little time in the doctors office. But, if you catch something important? You will be glad you paid attention and spoke up.

What Do Pre Labor Contractions Feel Like?

Common Misunderstanding About Prelabor

These prelabor contractions are often called Braxton Hicks contractions. You can more learn about them here.

What Do Contractions Feel Like: Early Labor 

What do contractions feel like as you move from prelabor to early labor? Early labor is when your contractions turn into more noticeable contractions that you may be able to ignore, or that may take some work and focus to deal with. They are no longer a dull ache. They have a start, middle, and end, and there is a rest in between.

There are no sudden, sharp, stabbing pains in labor. Rather, there is a building up of sensation with each contraction. Your uterus muscle flexes tight, tighter, then begins to release and relax until you find your break between contractions. There is always a chance to rest between contractions.

Most women will feel this tightening or flexing  sensation move from the top of their uterus downwards. But it can also wrap around to your back or mainly be felt like your back tightening depending on how your baby is positioned.

These early contractions may last from 30 to 60 seconds and come anywhere from 4 to 20 minutes apart. 

These contractions will feel like they are passing through you much like a wave. At first increasing in intensity, reaching a peak, and then releasing.

This Is How Moms Answer The Question What Does A Contraction Feel Like In Early Labor?

I felt a slight tightening & pressure in my back. The tight feeling came with pain behind my belly button that went down to my cervix. It almost felt like she had her head bouncing right on it. I could talk through it but it was easier to breathe through these contractions as they caught me off guard & were mildly painful.

Jennifer. Mom of One

I guess strong cramps on a mission is the best way to describe it. I don’t really think they are painful but it can be really intense & require stamina.

Claudia, Mom of Two

Like cramps but with a rise, climax and fall, and then a pain-free space in between to relax and catch your breath. Natural contractions also feel purposeful, like if you’re focused you can feel them pushing your baby down. 

Kathy, Mom of Three

Like a giant squeezing your abdomen. Everything gets really tight and then releases slowly and then you get a break before you do it again.

Lisa, Mom of Two

When Should You Call Your Provider In Early Labor? 

Your provider is likely to still be unbothered and unconcerned about early labor contractions. From the provider’s point of view, real contractions have not started until you are 6 cm dilated. In most cases, it is too early to head into the hospital if you are experiencing early labor contractions. But, there are a few exceptions to the rule. You should call your provider if: 

1. If you are having contractions before 38 weeks – your provider will want to know as your baby may be at risk and they may want to try to help you stop labor. 
   
2. If your water breaks – this may or may not change the care you receive going forwards. 
   
3. If you have bleeding that drips down your leg or fills a pad. A small amount of spotting is normal and a good sign that your cervix is changing and making room for your baby. But if you are unsure, call and ask. 
   
4. If you notice your baby hasn’t moved the same. 
   
5. Changes in vision, swelling, sharp pains that don’t go away between contractions. 

It also doesn’t hurt to let your provider know you are having contractions so they can be ready when you need them. Some moms are surprised that not every hospital has a doctor at the hospital all the time just waiting for them. If any of your team is on call, they should know now so that they can be ready for you when you need them. 

What Do Early Labor Contractions Feel Like?

Common Misunderstanding About Early Labor

Most people have about a day of recognizable pre and early labor symptoms before they are in active or real, labor. If this part of labor extends more than that, it is called prodromal labor. You can learn about that here. Sometimes this early labor period can last several days. That is also normal.

Often, mothers are told they are ‘not in labor’ if they aren’t 6 cm dilated yet. But the truth is, most mothers will have more contractions in the pre and early labor part of labor, than they will in active labor, when contractions are considered ‘real.’ But that doesn’t mean early labor is always easy.

Early labor can be a straight line, where it starts and changes quickly to active labor or it can be a long slow process. It can pause. It can restart. It can be strong and then easy and then strong again. This part of labor does not have a timeline. It takes however long it takes. Hours or days are both normal.

If you are told your early labor is not ‘real’ contractions, keep in mind that ‘real’ labor, or ‘real’ contractions is a misused phrase. It is inaccurately used in the place of the phrase active labor, even by medical professionals. But, early and pre labor contractions are a normal and expected part of labor for most mothers.

What Do Contractions Feel Like: Active Labor

As your labor moves from early labor to active labor, the sensation of what contractions feel like doesn’t change very much. There is still a rise, a peak, a fall, a rest.  But, the intensity, or how strong they are does change. 

If we were likening labor to a workout, early labor is like a walk, while active labor is more like a run. A step is the same motion in either scenario, but what else is going on in your body is different. One you can talk through, the other requires your complete focus and attention, even though they are both just a step. 

That shift, needing to give the contractions and labor your complete focus and attention, is a good sign you are either in active labor, or on your way to it.

Usually, contractions are a minute or more long, and are 3-5 minutes from the start of one to the start of the next. Active labor usually lasts from 3-10 hours. In most cases you will head into your birth location at some point in active labor. 

Signs You Have Moved From Early Labor To Active Labor? 

Some signs you have moved from early labor to active labor? 

1. You could walk through contractions before,  but now, while you can still walk, you find yourself stopping with each contraction. 
   
2. They take your breath away – though you can breathe through them, you have to focus on your breathing. You may find that you need to vocalize or make deep low “oooh” sounds or something similar to help you cope. 
   
3. The feeling of the contractions wraps entirely around your abdomen. You may feel pressure on your low back, occasionally feel like you need to poop or that there is pressure above your rectum. 
   
4. When you get in a bathtub, you get a sense of relief, but contractions don’t slow down or space out. Often, in early labor, getting in the water will give you a longer break between contractions, in active labor, this doesn’t usually happen. 
   
5. You have gone internal and focused. You were distracted by shows, music or conversation before, now you don’t want anything to interrupt your focus, even between contractions. 

Active labor officially starts when you are at 6 centimeters dilated, but you won’t know how dilated you are until you are with your provider. All of these other shifts are good and reliable signs of progress that you can take note of yourself without a cervical check. 

This Is How Moms Answer The Question What Does A Contraction Feel Like In Active Labor?

Active contractions are just like early contractions but so intense. They had me feeling raw with the intensity.

Katie, Mom of 1

It’s like your body is preparing for a big finale. The contractions almost pass through you like a wave. It builds up, reaches its peak, and then you just have to ride it until it’s gone. Then sink as deep as you can into your rest because you will need your energy to do it again. It’s hard, fierce work. It made me feel strong and capable even as I was working through my doubt and wondering if I could do it.

Paula, Mom of 5

The thing I love about active labor is that even though it’s intense, it’s purposeful. This is when I feel both powerful and vulnerable. The contractions are strong, like when I do a HIIT workout. It’s not sharp or painful the way an injury is, but it’s powerful and crazy that my body is doing this. My body and mind are focused because they are reaching new limits and doing something amazing. I rest between each one because each contraction is work. But really my body is doing its thing and I just have to detach from it. It’s a cool feeling to be in your body but also removed from your body because you can’t really control what is going on anymore. You just enter this place of trust and allowing and work.

Michelle, Mom of 2

When Should You Call Your Provider In Active Labor? 

1. If you are timing contractions, you will want to head into your birth location when contractions are about four or five minutes apart, a full minute long (not 45 seconds!) and have been that way for an hour. Again, if you are unsure, call your provider. 
   
2. Any of the reasons mentioned already.

What Do Active Labor Contractions Feel Like?

Common Misunderstanding About Active Labor

Many people associate labor and contractions with pain. The reason I choose the word intensity on this chart is because it more accurately shows the increase in the level of work. Jogging is more intense than walking. Running is more intense than jogging. Sprinting is more intense than jogging. But, just because something is more intense and requires more focus, doesn’t mean it will create suffering, which is why I want to share a story from one of my clients;

“Birth was the most powerful thing I’ve ever experienced. It was the hardest I’ve worked for anything in my life, and that sense of accomplishment and determination has  led to me feeling very empowered as a mom and woman. I wouldn’t change it for anything.” -Krista Wong 

If you are looking for tools to help you cope with contractions and feel safe in the work of labor, with or without an epidural, please check out our birth course! We have helped hundreds of moms have positive births and learn to cope with contractions!

What Do Contractions Feel Like: Transition 

If you ever asked ‘when are contractions the hardest?’ this is it. Transition is the moment when labor is at that place of being overwhelmingly hard and many women feel panicky or flighty. On the other hand, some women go really meditative and silent to cope, while others go really loud and move a lot.

This is when your cervix is dilated to 8-9 cm. Your contractions will last about 90 seconds and come every 2 to 4 minutes from the start of one to the start of another one. You can see the contractions are longer, stronger, and closer together. Like waves breaking over or through you one after another. This phase is usually over very quickly. It only lasts 15 minutes to a couple of hours. If the baby is in a difficult position, it could last a bit longer. But usually not.

Signs You’re Out Of Active Labor And Into Transition:

1. That feeling of maybe having to poop has increased, while it used to come and go with contractions, its there all the time now. It’s really the feeling of your baby pressing down and getting low. 
   
2. It feels like there are no breaks between contractions, your rest time has temporarily seemed to disappear. 
   
3. You sometimes feel like you have to push during some of the contraction, but not all of the contraction. 
   
4. Your labor sounds may have gotten guttural or grunty sounding (think of a weight lifter hefting a weight at the limits of their capacity.) 
   
5. Your body may be shaky and you may feel extra nauseous or throw up. 

There are certain breathing patterns that can help you cope with this part of labor if you won’t have an epidural during it. I can teach you. about them in my birth course!

This Is How Moms Answer The Question What Does A Contraction Feel Like In Transition?

Transition was the only time that I felt contractions were unmanageable and I felt freaked out. Contractions were right on top of each other, especially if I moved around. The felt mostly like strong backaches that came and went all the way through my body. Luckily that went away as soon as I started pushing which felt lovely!

Abbey, Mom of 1

I was only in transition for 5 minutes but Holy Hell that was an intense 5 minutes. Thank God this part of labor passes quickly. It’s intense like your body is going to break in half and then it’s over. My only suggestion is to trust your body and know it won’t last. You have to go through it to get to the other side and you will get through it.

Gina, Mom of 1

When I hit transition with my last birth I almost went into panic mode. I squeezed my husband’s hand so hard I thought I would break it. He held eye contact with me and helped me breathe and it was over really fast. It was the only time I truly felt scared, but it was here and then it was gone. You know what they say, just when you don’t think you can do it anymore is when you are almost done.

Sarah, Mom of 5

Transition feels like being totally overwhelmed emotionally, physically, spiritually, in every way. I always thought I would handle labor by being quiet and still so I could channel my inner strength but when I get to transition I get this panicky feeling, I just can’t get into that space. So I go the opposite direction, I crank my music and embrace deep loud moans and movement. When the intensity rises so do I.

Erika, Mom of 3

What Do Transition Contractions Feel Like?

Common Misunderstanding About Transition

Many people think that contractions are terrible all the way through. The truth is that they are manageable most of the way. The contractions peak at their strongest in transition, which usually only lasts a few contractions.

You partner can learn tools to help you stay grounded and get through this moment inside our birth course!

Pushing: What Do Contractions Feel Like When You Are Pushing?

Once you are fully dilated, and through transition, you will have contractions that you will push through. If nonmedicated, you likely will not need much guidance and will push naturally with your contractions. Many moms feel a great sense of purpose and are so focused working through the contractions, the pain is not as great as transition.

If you do have an epidural, this part can be a bit confusing as you are trying to use muscles that you can’t really feel. An epidural is essentially a spinal block, so you’re pushing with muscles you don’t have much feeling or connection to. That’s why learning to feel the muscles you push with before labor is really important if you’re choosing an epidural. This is something we go over in detail inside my birth course.

Contractions when you are ready to push feel very strong. Theese pushy contractions typically last for about 2 minutes with about 3 minutes rest in between. Your body will have a strong, unmistakable urge to push. You will feel the pressure of your baby low in your butt, very similar to having to poop. If you are medicated, you may not feel the pushing sensations as much and need more guidance.

The pushing stage may last from 15 minutes (three to five contractions) to 3 hours or more. For most first-time birthers, the birthing stage is completed in up to 4 hours; for most people who have given birth before, in less than 2 hours. As always, some moms will take more or less time than this.

This Is How Moms Answer The Question What Does A Contraction Feel Like When Pushing?

The urge to push is kinda like when you vomit. It’s an overpowering feeling and you can’t really stop it. The more you try to stop it, the more painful it is. I felt if I pushed with the same force of the contraction or pain, I could numb the pain with the effort of my push. It was cool.

Rebecca, Mom of 2

Pushing contractions are so hard to describe. Your body is taking over and you can’t do anything about it. When I felt a contraction I had to just push with all my energy. It’s like I had no other choice. Listening to my body and doing what it wanted was right. Mentally, I was so far off in labor land, I was barely aware of anything other than birthing. I don’t think I could do it any other way. My body completely took over. I wouldn’t call this phase painful, but took every ounce of energy I had left and then some.

Natalie, Mom of 2

I’ve had two babies and pushing felt different each time. The first time I was scared and nervous and pushing felt pretty painful like my tailbone was breaking. But the second time, I felt more prepared and had done it before. I had more confidence and pushing actually felt good. Like a huge wave that went through me and pushing with that power was sweet relief. I think learning to relax made a big difference. Instead of bracing against the pain, I was working with it. But also, you can’t always choose how your birth unfolds, you just learn how to appreciate it for what it is.

Steph, Mom of 2

What Do Pushing Contractions Feel Like?

Common Misunderstanding About Pushing

Many people think pushing will be the most difficult part of labor. While intuitively, this might make sense, it usually is not the case. Most mothers get a sense of relief as they push.

What Do Contractions Feel Like When You Are Delivering The Placenta?

Delivering the placenta is quick and easy compared to the rest of birth. It usually takes anywhere from five to 20 minutes sometime in the first hour or so after birth. You will have contractions that last about a minute each. If you are busy nursing or playing with your baby, you may not even notice them as they are not super strong like active or pushing contractions. The placenta detaches from the uterus and exits out of the birth canal. Then, you are officially done birthing!

This Is How Moms Answer The Question What Does A Contraction Feel Like When Delivering The Placenta?

I sat in bed snuggling my baby smelling their head and waited. It was mildly painful, but not really. By that time, you’ve done so much, it doesn’t seem like much at all.

Becky, Mom of 1

I was so focused on my baby, I wasn’t really focused on delivering the placenta. I mean, I remember bearing down a few times, and it hurt a tiny bit. However, it didn’t take my attention the way the rest of the labor did. I was busy enjoying my baby.

Emily. Mom of 1

What Does A Contraction Feel Like With An Epidural

Many moms choose to use an epidural during labor. Epidurals can be amazing pain management tools for moms who are worried about pain or have reached the point of exhaustion. When an epidural is working properly, you won’t feel your contractions at all. Or, if it is done lightly, you may feel just enough so you are aware of when you are contracting. This means you can be so comfortable that you can sleep through something as intense as transition.

However, it is important to remember that epidurals also have some draw backs. If you have an epidural, you may need much more coaching to push your baby out. You won’t be able to feel your contractions as much and will have a lot of mental work to do to figure out the movement.

Epidurals also sometimes leave windows, where you can still feel contractions in one part of your body.

Also, you should know, While you won’t feel the pain that comes with a contraction, you will feel the pressure of your baby coming through your birth canal. Some moms are surprised that birth can still be painful and hard work, even with an epidural.

For strategies on how to have a positive birth with or without an epidural, check out my birth class here. We are one of the few courses that has both a natural birth path and an epidural birth path. Giving freedom to moms to want one or the other and tools for the many ways her birth can unfold.

What Do Contractions Feel Like When Delivering The Placenta?

What Does A Contraction Feel Like For Baby?

Some moms wonder how a baby copes with contractions. If contractions are so intense for mom, what is the baby experiencing? Babies are just fine during contractions. They are made to go through your birth canal and it is safe for them to do so.

Babies can move during labor, they can also be found sleeping even during intense contractions. They are also filled with the love hormone oxytocin, which is pumping through both mom and baby at very high levels during labor. The compression in the birth canal also helps your baby expel mucus and fluid from their lungs so they are ready to start breathing one they are born!

I like to think of it like this. have you ever had someone give you a great big hug that kinda knocks the wind out of you for a brief moment? That’s probably a lot like what your baby is feeling like during birth.

What Does A Woman Look Like When She Is Having A Contraction?

Women can cope with contractions in a wide variety of ways. These are all women working through contractions. You can also check out theses birth videos to see what labor look like and what you might experience in your labor as well.

Some women look very emotional:

Some woman are in the throws of hard work:

Some women say it is like a primal power overtakes them:

Some women are so focused they appear asleep:

How Painful Are Contractions?

Almost every mom I’ve spoken with wonders about how painful labor really is. Will it be too much or them? Do they need pain medication? Do they want to try without it? Is that even possible?

All of these questions are very subjective, as is the actual pain of labor. Like marathon runners, everyone has their own feelings, emotions and challenges as they go through the process. And most importantly, immense reason to celebrate as they reach that triumphant moment of meeting their baby.

I absolutely love helping moms prepare for labor. I know that all the worries and anxieties are real, but they can be worked through and replaced with earned confidence and knowledge. If you’d like to continue down the path to a positive, empowering birth experience, join me in my class The She Births Bravely Birth Course.

As a doula, I’ve helped hundreds of women prepare for birth, and I’d love to help you know how to move through contractions with courage and confidence as well.

As you explore what contractions feel like, and what your hopes and dreams are for your birth, I wish you the best!