Ouch... so that's what a contraction feels like.

So, okay then. I've figured out what a contraction feels like (no baby yet though). For those of you who don't know and who aren't perhaps as briefed on the nuances of the nine months of JOY that women go through to propagate the human race, some of us are lucky enough to have what are called "Braxton Hicks" or practice contractions before the baby is born. These I think are to be viewed much the same way as a yellow yield sign, or a winter snow warning on The Weather Network. Essentially it's our bodies getting ready for the impending birth.

For me, there were two kinds. About two weeks ago I started having these practice tightenings of my abdomen. They didn't hurt at all. I thought to myself "self, this ain't half bad". Then, last night; just after a riveting game of "Mexican Train" with the folks and the hubby and two glasses of nettle tea; it started. I was knitting and watching Project Runway and suddenly I had a cramping all over the front of my torso that felt something like... it's hard to explain. I've never been stabbed, gouged or disemboweled but I think it would feel like something similar to this. (Maybe I'm exaggerating, maybe not). Either way, it made me gasp and it took my breath away at the same time. I remembered what they taught in the pre-natal class... BREATHE and start timing. I did and after a half hour, the contractions subsided and I was able to sleep just fine.

So... there it is. If the stories are true, and I have no reason to believe that they are not, then real labour (30 seconds of torso-tightening for 12+ hours) will be fantastic and exciting. I'll keep you posted. :) Cheers.