I heard that birthing pains will be similar to the pains you feel during your period. I am one that…

I don't think contractions can be compared to period cramps

I wouldn't compare them to periods either! It's just as if your whole stomach is tightening in bad pain and then releases I didn't really feel crampy just the tightening

Yes, for me. I felt cramps when baby girl hit 8cm I only felt them in that spot where you usually feel them on your lower belly.

Totally second what @sharonpaige13 described them as! They almost take your breath away and are constant coming and going super often. For me I didn't fell much relief in between them because it still hurt but they definitely got stronger frequently.

I would not compare them to period cramps! Lol what is a sure sign of contractions to me was always consistency, if pains come and go, however you may feel it, it very well could be a sign of labor. A contraction itself for me, was tighting of my belly whilst my lower back cramped up, I timed them and that's how I knew they were contractions. :)