Worried I won't know when it starts..

[cnhauk]

Now that I'm getting closer to delivery, I'm worried I won't know when I start going into labor. I know what I've learned in the classes, all the different signs of labor starting. But now that it could happen any day now, I can't help but wonder if I'll really be able to know when things start.

It can't be far off. I've had the loose stool for the past few days. I've been crampy and achey. But that's it. What were some of the first signs you experienced when you started going into labor? I've been told contractions feel like very strong, patterned menstrual cramps, but I'm nervous that I won't recognize it!

[buggie216]

Sweetheart...you will totally know...dont worry!! My water broke (well i had a leak) no contractions and i knew something was up. :)

[sorenr]

believe me, you'll know!!!

[trying43]

I know with my second, I was contracting for a week straight every 8 minutes then spaced to every 16 minutes but they weren't particularly strong or terribly painful.  They were like braxton hicks but a little stonger and timeable. They were just painful enough to be annoying and not let me get comfortable and rest.  I finally begged to be induced.  I never lost my mucus plug or had show at all but I was dilated to a 5 for that whole week also before they induced.  I was induced with number 1 and 3 so never got to have any labor signs.  Good luck.

[trying43]

I know with my second, I was contracting for a week straight every 8 minutes then spaced to every 16 minutes but they weren't particularly strong or terribly painful.  They were like braxton hicks but a little stonger and timeable. They were just painful enough to be annoying and not let me get comfortable and rest.  I finally begged to be induced.  I never lost my mucus plug or had show at all but I was dilated to a 5 for that whole week also before they induced.  I was induced with number 1 and 3 so never got to have any labor signs.  Good luck.