First time mom here, so don't make fun of me! I don't honestly know what real contractions are going to feel like. I've been having cramps but they are more like what you'd have when your period is about to start.. They aren't like 30 seconds long or anything. I figure those are probably Braxton hicks. I'm also getting these sharp pains that radiate deep inside from like my belly button to my pelvis but they only last probably 10 seconds. Are these Braxton hicks too? I just don't know what to expect the real contractions to feel like!
You will definitely know when it starts to be real contractions. They are about 10X worse than period cramping. It's probably a real contraction when they are longer than 30 seconds. I've been having contractions all day today and boy they just make you feel exhausted even though I'm just laying down. One of the nurses at my hospital said your stomach will tighten and almost feel like your forehead if you poke it.