Labor can feel different for each woman, but here are the common sensations you may experience during the process:
● Early labor: You may experience mild to moderate cramping or the feeling of your uterus tightening. It can feel like bad period cramps or lower back pain.
● Active labor: Contractions become stronger, longer, and more intense. They’ll come in waves — starting slow and growing in intensity. It can feel like a wave of pressure or like your belly is tightening.
● Pushing: You’ll feel intense pressure as your baby moves down the birth canal. The urge to push is often overwhelming, and you’ll want to bear down with the contractions.
● After birth: Once the baby is born, the focus shifts to recovery. You might feel intense relief but also some soreness as your body starts to recover from the work it just did.
Don’t worry about “getting it wrong” — every labor is different, and no two experiences are alike. The key is listening to your body and using the tools and support you have to get through it. At Borneo Mother & Child Hospital, we’re committed to helping you manage these sensations with gentle care and informed choices, empowering you to experience labor with confidence and comfort.
