what do contractions feel like?

I'm in quite a bit of pain right now but for some reason I don't think its contractions. I've had so many different kind of stomach pains lately that I have no idea which is which. The pain I have right now is in my entire stomach and feels like the cramps you get when you have stomach flu.

If there is a sure way to tell if I'm having contractions or not please do inform me  

for me contractions felt like someoe was ripping out my insides with a vicegrip through my cervix

Period like cramps are sometimes described as to what a contraction feels like. It's so hard to say but since you're getting close it likely is  

Labor contractions are much, much different and yeah, there is really no way to describe it other than the worse pain of your life.

It wasnt too bad for me. The best way I can describe it is that is feels much like having a Charlie Horse in your stomach and not being able to stretch and make it go away.
I was talking and laughing during my contractions. The best thing that helped me was to breathe through them and not freak out.. It hurts, but not excruciating. I didnt cry or scream....even though the woman in the next room, I could hear her screaming.....

So basically, if the pain gets worse than I can handle and I feel like I might die its contractions?

and contractions dont hurt all over your stomach. It hurts right above the pubic bone...labor contractions do, anyway.

<blockquote><b>Quoting MommyingWithGrace:</b>" and contractions dont hurt all over your stomach. It hurts right above the pubic bone...labor contractions do, anyway."</blockquote>




Maybe they don't for you! For me it hurt all over my stomach. Felt just like flu cramps!

Quoting MommyingWithGrace:" and contractions dont hurt all over your stomach. It hurts right above the pubic bone...labor contractions do, anyway."

Ok thanks   then what I have probably isn't contractions

Quoting Andi+Andy=Marley+1:" <blockquote><b>Quoting MommyingWithGrace:</b>" and contractions dont hurt all over ... [snip!] ... do, anyway."</blockquote> Maybe they don't for you! For me it hurt all over my stomach. Felt just like flu cramps!"

I've honestly never heard of anyone having them all over their stomach. Everyone I know gets them above the public bone, myself including.

Quoting Ladyr0x:" So basically, if the pain gets worse than I can handle and I feel like I might die its contractions?"

If they are coming in intervals then it's likely labor contractions. If they are inconsistent or go away, it's just the final days of miserable pregnancy  

Quoting Andi+Andy=Marley+1:" <blockquote><b>Quoting MommyingWithGrace:</b>" and contractions dont hurt all over ... [snip!] ... do, anyway."</blockquote> Maybe they don't for you! For me it hurt all over my stomach. Felt just like flu cramps!"

 
My whole midsection, back included, was riddled with pain.

It feels so bad, that you have to concentrate through breathing. I guess like when you have to take a smurf really bad and have to hold it bc there is no bathrooms lol

Quoting Ladyr0x:" Ok thanks   then what I have probably isn't contractions"

I guess everyone is different. But you will definitely know the difference between a cramp/BH and labor.

Thank you ladies, I have reached the conclusion that I probably don't have contractions but might have a stomach virus.. TMI sorry, but since making the post I've been on the toilet pretty much non stop and I'm nauseous and just feel very unwell... Hope it goes away. Thanks for all the input!

Thank you ladies, I have reached the conclusion that I probably don't have contractions but might have a stomach virus.. TMI sorry, but since making the post I've been on the toilet pretty much non stop and I'm nauseous and just feel very unwell... Hope it goes away. Thanks for all the input!