Like a really sharp pain that gets stronger and stronger to the the point its hard to breath while one is going on lol Kinda like someone punching you harder and harder lol I had em start in my back then all the way around. I also had long and frequent ones but everyones different.
I had contractions the whole day an night before my water broke. It was super intense, it felt like someone was kicking me. Mine went from my back to front an a lot of times was in my pelvic kinda. Just keep track on how many you get how long an how far apart they are
I can say I am not a FTM however I experienced contractions for the first time at 26 weeks in my lower pelvic area. It was very painful to where I wanted to use a heating pad but I know we can't. Then when I couldn't even chew I knew something was off and went in. I definitely was having contractions and those sons of goddess's hurt! Lol. I also get bad cramps and I know the difference now and it is true that they are worse than period cramps. I waited from 10 in the morning til 6 in the evening to go. Sharp pain to where it can be sensitive to touch to try to ease the pain I will say is the start of the contractions because they do get worse I've seen. I hope this helps you ladies.