You have an unborn child on the way
Contractions
Labor contractions might be the best term but not all contractions are painful.
Yes, labor contractions are an example of positive feedback. The contractions cause the release of oxytocin, which further stimulates increased contractions, resulting in the progression of labor. This cycle continues until the baby is born.
The strongest indication that contractions are occurring in association with true labor is that the contractions begin to occur at regular intervals. This is contrary to Braxton-Hicks contractions, which are spontaneous, random uterine contractions that do not occur with actual labor.
Labor contractions are painful and you can't ignore them. If they are not painful then they are just Braxton Hicks.
If your contractions are three min. apart then you probably already are in labor especially if you are already dilated and 80% effaced. If the contractions aren't regular then you aren't in labor but if it turns out that your not then you will most likely be going into labor really soon.
u'll get contractions which, from what I've heard, are like really really bad period cramps.
I think so. my cat was never very social but cuddled with me when my contractions started!
A tightening of the uterus during pregnancy. Contractions may or may not be painful and may or may not indicate labor.
Oxytocin
painful
The increasingly forceful labor contractions during childbirth are an example of the body's natural physiological response to help facilitate the delivery of the baby. These contractions serve to push the baby through the birth canal and out of the mother's body.