Dumb question: how will I know when I have real contractions?

[CountryMomToBe]

FTM, 36+1.  I get Braxton Hicks occasionally & have been randomly losing bits of mucus plug for about 3 weeks.  I know I still have a ways to go, but im just curious as to how I will know that actual labor has begun? Will it be like severe period cramps or pressure? Will they just be like intense braxton hicks? What does it feel like? My midwife will come to my house when I am 5-1-1 but I just worry that I won't know I am in labor & will call her too late! Lol dumb I know.

[bigmamapagaza]

My first natural delivery was also so quick. I didn't even know. Just woke up in the morning and knew it was time. It was very painful.  Fast and painful contractions.  Hang in there!

[YoungLadyDay14]

They had to break my water at the hospital.

[CountryMomToBe]

Thanks ladies! I enjoy hearing yall's stories!

[Mommy_of_thr3e]

Both of my first two labor experiences were different than most. I was 5cm dilated with my first and barely noticed contractions by the time I got to the hospital and went right to l&d and 6 with my second feeling no pain at all from contractions. I never really felt pain until between 7-9 cm with each...and then it was overwhelmingly excruciating. For whatever reason I just knew I was in labor and never landed at the hospital in false labor. I am hoping that ten years later with my 3rd it will run smoothly like my first two.

[lgreen6201]

With my first, my water broke and they had to give me pitocin to get it going.  The second one, I had contractions first.  Wondering what this third time will be like.  Good luck.

[esmeralda_panther]

Mine did begin before water broke. Every body is different.

[CountryMomToBe]

Did yalls contractions begin before your water broke?

lgreen, that's what I worry about. Lol I am pretty in tune with my body but any severe pains I have randomly gotten so far in pregnancy I just kinda wait em out.  I hate bugging anyone... lol

[lgreen6201]

I actually didn't know I was in labor with my daughter.  I thought it was severe gas pains and constipation and could not get comfortable no matter what.  I was so uncomfortable for the whole day.  It wasn't until I timed it in the middle of the night and realized they were 3 minutes apart that I went to the hospital.

[esmeralda_panther]

You'll know!!!! You won't b able to ask if it's a contraction. The first time I felt them, I knew that was it. :)

[YoungLadyDay14]

Sounds crazy but u will know. They will start coming so intense and fast that u can't get relief btwn the contractions. They can vary. My 1st I didn't have bh contractions. I just woke up out of my sleep to intense pressure & constant tightening like my body was ready to evict my baby. Wish you well dear!