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Mine didn't feel like period cramps but they were different than BH. I could kinda feel them building, peaking, then resolving better than BH. They weren't particularly painful but there was more pain or sensation or something with them then with BH. I've had a few painful contractions with this pregnancy that were kind of similar to early labor but there's just been something different, I think that I haven't felt that building phase of the contraction to know it's the real thing.

Mine were like the cramps you get from indigestion/diarrhea.

First of all, you've never had period cramps?! Is it okay that I kind of hate you?

I had BH from pretty early on (16 or 17 weeks), and they were always the same: lots of prolonged tightening. My stomach felt like a rock.

I was induced, so my contractions were medically initiated with my water being broken, but I guess I had "early labor" until they cranked up the pit. They started out pretty mild, but were very different than any BH's I ever had. To me, they didn't feel much like period cramps. It felt like someone had their giant angry hands around my insides and started to squeeze tighter and tighter and then slowly let go (whereas my period cramps are a dull achy feeling in my lower abdomen). When the contractions picked up I had terrible back labor, so along with the squeezing it felt like someone was stabbing a million kitchen knives into my back.

@MrsTiz: I never had braxton hicks. My early labor felt like bad period cramps, but they were coming every 15 or so minutes. Definitely not unbearable, but more annoying.

@MrsTiz: The contractions themselves didn't last long at all. I had a Drs appt and nonstress test that day (i was overdue) and tried describing them and they just kind of shrugged their shoulders. But when they saw my contractions on the nonstress test they were like you'll be back soon - but at that point they were still sometimes 10-15 min apart (though sometimes they'd be really close but then they'd space out again). But as the day wore on they got closer together and more painful.

After about 12 hours I was pretty sure they weren't going to let up and I started having other signs as well (losing a lot more MP, followed by bloody show).

Mine was just like Braxton Hicks but stronger. I didn't have period like cramps.

Eek! This all sounds very exciting!

Having to go #2 is one of the ways that your body prepares for labor!

I didn't have early labor. My contractions started, the wave like ones in my abdomen and the next thing I knew, I was delivering. I was almost 41 weeks at that point.

@MrsTiz: Don't feel bad about calling. Remember that it is their job, and it's certainly not a question you should feel strange about asking. People have some pretty unusual questions sometimes, but there is no such thing as a "bad" or unnecessary question.

@MrsTiz: ok then, 36! And something like that. I like to pretend that I'm not the nut who calls all the time, but they're all on to me...whoops But maybe-labor strikes me as maybe the definition of reasons to call, so I think you're fine

@MrsTiz: I think maybe labor is a really common reason to call! You certainly won't be the first. Plus this is preparing you for calling the pediatrician for every little thing

@MrsTiz: I was there three times in three weeks. She was never actually sick. Oops.

Let us know what they say! For me, BH was mildly uncomfortable and sometimes affected my breathing, but early labor was actually painful (not like 'ow that hurts a little' pain, but real pain), and came in waves that were somewhat consistent. They didn't start off consistent, but then again I was only 4cm dilated a full 24 hours after my early labor began!

@Mrs. Twine: I would NOT like that!!! Poor thing.

My early labour felt like nothing. So much so, that I was in labour for a few days without even knowing it.

@MrsTiz: Oh wow! I hope your BP goes down!! Thinking of you!

@MrsTiz: glad you're there!!!