What does labour feel like and when do you know it started?

It depends on the baby's position but generally either low back or belly. It is very similar to period pains and can be very mild at first. It is possible to have practice contractions (braxton hicks), I had a lot for weeks with my second baby. You will know when you are in labour though, the real thing gets more intense and the pain doesn't fully go away if you change position.

Hi ! It feels like a bad menstrual cycle very crampy and your tummy feels tight with the contractions

Labor isn’t necessarily “pain” as we think of it. It is more like menstrual cramps that are dialed way up. They are more intense menstrual cramps. Working through the intensity is about learning how to breathe properly and relaxing all your muscles in your body especially your abdominal muscles. you want to learn how to breathe through your contractions and then practice relaxation techniques in between your contractions so you can reset your body so you’re not stuck in a really tense state.

Some feel like they have to use the bathroom idk if it’s TMI , but sometimes on your period you feel like you have to poop often 😂 same when labor starts , I’ve had 3 kids and always starts with cramps like my period and I usually tough it out at home until I can’t and I usually have to use the bathroom idk why it’s like that

When I went into labor I thought I just had to go poop but couldn't. It didn't feel like the labor pains you hear about or see on TV.

You know things are close when ur baby drops down into the pelvis and pressure is bad and sorry tmi ur body will start to clear out do if pooping alot its near ' then it will hit you like tone off shit 😅you will know its happen this is my 4th pregancy and every baby I still get shocked with the pain lol pain started in my back then intense cramps

With my first I was also really stresswd about knowing if i was in labour but it is so true that you WILL KNOW once it starts 😅 it gets intense, more than any period or belly cramps you’ve ever had. And it will start soread out but get more frequent and more intense. I always have wanted natural labours so have stayed home until it seemed like i couldnt do it anymore and got to hospital at 6cm both times, so still a while to go 🤦🏽‍♀️
You will know! Stay calm and enjoy!

Thanks everyone - I was expecting it to be less deep in the pelvis eg around the tummy. I've definitely had some of the above symptoms but nothing that's lasted! I lost some of my mucus plug a week ago, and had some deep aches like on a period come and go. Yesterday I overdid it on a long walk and was having deep aches and cramps and lots of lightening crotch which got better once resting. Today I've had a few aches and lightening crotch.

Would they be Braxton hicks maybe?

I've had loose stools for weeks so I'm not sure if I'd recognise a difference there!