So I'm 8 months I'm scared of labor I'm a ftm.. I don't know what contractions feel like. I have…

contractions are like menstrual cramps on steriods. mine started from my back/sides and wrapped around my belly and my stomach would get very tight. you might just be experiencing Braxton hicks now or your baby moving, things get super tight and cramped and sometimes it hurts when the baby moves positions

you are probably having braxton hicks , try taking a nice warm bath or use a heating pad for a little bit. always helped me relax. I was induced and I ended up opting for the epidural , once the epi kicked in i didnt feel anything.

contractions last a certain duration of time, then stop for 3-5 minutes then start again. for example mine were about a minute of intense menstrual like cramps every 4 minutes. then it dropped to every 3 minutes, then every two. you will kno when it's time. I had never felt anything like them in my life. lol im a FTM too. my water didn't break, my OB broke it after I got the epidural. after the epidural, it was a breeze.

How long were u in labor after the epidural @heatherlg88

Mine were so bad to the point where I just had to stop what I was doing and focus on breathing. A sharp period cramp times 100x. They were inconsistent for 2 days before they got steady. I know you'll stress labor but don't over think it too much. Whatever happens it's only temporary and alllll worth it 💖

I was dilated to a 4 when I got it, they broke my water at 5 cm..I think I was in labor for like 7 hours or so after the epidural...total of 16 hours.

I have yet to feel a contraction as well