Between contractions, the uterus relaxes and the abdomen becomes soft. The way a contraction feels is different for each woman, and may feel different from one pregnancy to the next. But labor contractions usually cause discomfort or a dull ache in your back and lower abdomen, along with pressure in the pelvis.
Definitions for stepping stone. stepping stone(noun) a stone in a marsh or shallow water that can be stepped on in crossing. stepping stone(noun) any means of advancement. the job was just a stepping stone on his way to fame and riches. stepping stone(Noun)
1 The stone of an arch (typically the uppermost stone), which, being the last put in, is regarded as keying or locking the whole structure together; the stone at the apex of an arch.  n. Hence A supporting principle; the chief element in a system; that upon which the remainder rests or depends.