You may feel pain in just the lower abdomen or in the lower back and abdomen, and the pain may radiate down the legs, particularly the upper thighs.

How do I know if its a cramp or a contraction?

Labor contractions cause discomfort or a dull ache in your back and lower abdomen, along with pressure in the pelvis. Some women might also feel pain in their sides and thighs. Some women describe contractions as strong menstrual cramps, while others describe them as strong waves that feel like diarrhea cramps.

How painful are contractions compared to Charlie horses?

Charlie horses are easy to get rid of so I’ve never thought to compare them to contractions. It’s a very different kind of pain. But contractions were the worst pain I’ve ever felt in my life. Haha, depends on how you handle pain. I focused and breathed through my contractions and didn’t think they were horribly painful.

What’s it like being in labor like a Charlie Horse?

But labor sucks lol. The thing about a Charlie horse is you can move you foot to change the pain. For me, contractions at 3-4cm dilated are probably the closest comparison. That’s when I had to breathe through them and it was painful enough to leave for the hospital then. By 5cm, it was probably 3x worse. :/ got an epidural at 6cm – thank Jesus!

What happens when a Charlie Horse cramps?

This cramping or contraction of a muscle or group of muscles can be incredibly painful. Depending on the duration of a Charlie Horse, pain can be quite severe and soreness may exists for hours or even up to a day afterward. A blood clot is known as a thrombus. Blood clots usually form over an injury to a blood vessel.

What is a Charlie Horse in the body?

A Charlie Horse is a nickname for a muscle spasm or cramp. This cramping or contraction of a muscle or group of muscles can be incredibly painful. Depending on the duration of a Charlie Horse, pain can be quite severe and soreness may exists for hours or even up to a day afterward. A blood clot is known as a thrombus.