My labor started off as a dull lower backache and then turned into what felt like period cramps and progressively got worse until I couldn't talk or focus on anything during a contraction. Basically think of the BH contraction and add pain and feeling you need to use the washroom because of the pressure down there.
I'm 39 weeks today and I've had non stop menstrual like cramps. I'm a ftm also so I'm afraid I won't know the difference or know when I'm in labor. Idk how to time then either. I just want to get this over with.
When you start to notice that the cramp goes away and comes back is when you should time. When you feel the cramp start, take a peek at the time, when you feel the cramp let go or release, check the time again. It's very likely that the cramps will be less than a minute long in the beginning, and more than a couple minutes apart. My hospital recommends that if the cramps/contractions are lasting about a minute, and are five minutes apart, to go to labor and delivery for an evaluation.