I felt the contractions as if someone was squeezing my stomach so hard I couldn't breathe but remember it only lasts a minute then fades away and you get a rest. The pushing for me was different for each baby. With my first it felt fantastic to push and really took the pain away, I had a water birth so I didn't feel any burning like some women do. With my second baby it was hell, it felt like I was ****ting a watermelon!!! I felt like my arse was just gonna split in half but the baby was posterior so I think that had a lot to do with it. In any case don't be scared and remember that women do it everyday and then go back for more!!! some women don't even have pain (lucky) and as soon as the baby comes out you forget which is why it'sso hard to explain. Above all have faith in your body and be as prepared as you can. have fun!!!!