2nd time spontaneous labour - how did you realise it was starting?

[Littlerayofsunshine]

With DD I had BH's for weeks, then I thought it was it on the tuesday. then when it started on the wednesday bang on 4pm I KNEW something was different. very wierd but just did.

I'm 34+3 with DC 2 and worried if i can't tell when it does happen?

My waters went, no signs before. Strong contractions followed immediately and Dd was born an hour later.

Wowza. My waters didnt go with DD until her head was coming out. So I was shocked when it didnt happen that way as thats how its seen on tv lol

Wonder what will happen this time? because my waters didnt go first with DD is this likely to happen again?

My second labour started with my water going. Dd was born 2 3/4 hours later. Labour was totally different from first time round.

I woke up in the morning when I was 40+6 and just knew

I got cramping in my thighs which moved up to my belly and felt very different to BH

and then she came very quickly!

apparently only something like 30% of labours start wiht waters breaking, tv has a lot to answer for!

1st labor woke up at 2:30am knowing they were proper contractions
2nd labour honestly didn't realise the BH had turned into real contractions til my midwife confirmed I was in labour. Had strong and regular BH for MONTHS, the day before they were more painful than normal. disappeared overnight then returned in the morning, disappeared again and returned in the eve - DH called the midwife because he said they seemed different, I was convinced I would go way more overdue!

I'm 35 weeks on Monday and they are very strong. I still wouldnt say painful though. I had her naturally, so must have a high pain threshold? I didnt really realise when it happened with DD because the BH's were very strong the day before too.

All I know is, They have been very strong for weeks, but the past week they have been strong and wierd feeling low down. I'm 3/5ths engaged (2/5th palp) and can feel baby really pushing down. uncomfy but not painful?