I have always had bad period cramps so how do I know if I am having contractions or cramps

Trust me, it will just hit you! You can also time the contractions! they will usually last 30 seconds in the beginning and then last about a minute when you're in active labor. At least, that's what I read haha

@martinajjones, thank you! I am having both so I didn't know if my cramps are like mini contractions and if I should consider them or not but they last over 30 most times over 1 minute

Oh okay! that happened with my labor but I learned I had somewhat of a hip labor so my whole area from hip to hip never stopped hurting so I couldn't feel my contractions very well. Your water hasn't broken yet?

@meme2393,

@martinajjones, no my water hasn't broke yet

Usually your water will break when they reach a minute. But maybe I am wrong. Can you time each contraction? How fast are they coming?

@martinajjones, The big contractions are about hour and a half apart but I wasn't sure if I should count the small ones or not. So I definitely have awhile I just want to make sure I catch it in time cause I live 30-40 minutes away from the hospital