What do labor contractions feel like?

Generally, after nine months of pregnancy, a series of signs will often appear. The appearance of these signs proves that the due date is approaching, but the actual delivery time may be advanced or delayed, and some uterine contractions may also occur.

False labor contractions are more frequent and intense, and this indicates that you may be entering the early stages of labor. During this process, your cervix ripens and prepares you to enter actual labor. During this period, some expectant mothers experience cramping similar to menstruation.

Sometimes, as actual labor approaches, contractions can become relatively painful and occur every 10 to 20 minutes, making you wonder if you are about to give birth. But if the contractions don't get longer, more intense, and closer together, causing your cervix to open, then what you're feeling may be what's called "false labor."