contraction vs cramp

[wife&mommy]

What's the difference??

[kittywitty]

When I get cramps, they aren't at the same time as contractions-my stomach doesn't tighten. It feels like when you get your period.

[mom2liv]

Originally Posted by kittywitty

When I get cramps, they aren't at the same time as contractions-my stomach doesn't tighten. It feels like when you get your period.

exactly the same for me. What I'd call contractions are also typically more defined from a time perspective, i.e. there's a tightening across my stomach that clearly starts and ends, whereas the "crampy" feeling can just kind of go on and on. My experience anyway.

[Quindin]

Cramp - period-like pains

Contraction - tightness/pressure with pain or not

[Sihaya]

I never had period cramping/pains : so if someone could explain the difference with some other comparison, that would be greatly appreciated.

[*MamaJen*]

Could somebody take it a step farther and explain the difference between how Braxton Hicks and labor contractions feel? Is it sort of the same general sensation, only one is way more intense? Or is it a totally different ball game?
I can't tell when BH start and end, probably because they've always been so mild. They don't really feel like much for me, either--I just sort of notice that my belly is tight. It's a sensation, but it's not uncomfortable, kwim?

[kittywitty]

Originally Posted by Sihaya

I never had period cramping/pains : so if someone could explain the difference with some other comparison, that would be greatly appreciated.

Get her!!!







I had a horrible fibroid issue and would have bleeding and cramps so bad I would pass out. And I have a very high pain tolerance. The ones I have aren't quite that bad, but it feels like you have a bad stomach ache. Almost like food poisoning, but a little lower. Just achy, some sharper pains. Like someone is giving you a very hard, painful massage with hot pokers.

[Quindin]

Originally Posted by Sihaya

I never had period cramping/pains : so if someone could explain the difference with some other comparison, that would be greatly appreciated.

You lucky woman!!

The closest to menstrual cramps I can think of would be diarrhoea cramps.
Hope it helps

[*MamaJen*]

Originally Posted by kittywitty

Like someone is giving you a very hard, painful massage with hot pokers.

Huh. They did that in the Spanish Inquisition, right?

[kittywitty]

Originally Posted by *MamaJen*

Huh. They did that in the Spanish Inquisition, right?

Well, we know where they got the idea!