I was having period-type pains and backache for a few hours, then I lost my mucus plug. All my contractions were in my back so that’s a slight variation on standard labour. It all started at 41+2 and baby arrived the evening of 41+4. My waters didn’t go on their own, the midwives popped them to help move things along.
This might sound really daft but you'll just know when it's time. I didn't have a clue one day when I was just achy and uncomfortable that I'd be going into labour early hours the next morning but as soon as the contractions kicked in I knew it was go time. I didn't lose my plug or have a bloody show before labour. Baby was spine to spine so all the pains were in my back. Basically knew it was time to push cause I felt like I needed a really big poo.
I have some stomach issues so I thought LO was a poop! Lol Until I pooped and the pain didn't stop that's when I finally clued in. My contractions did not feel like period cramps they were all in my back and would run down into my thighs