Labour starting

[Renaissance227]

This may sound stupid but how do u know when labour is starting? Was there a build up of symptoms or did it just start? Does it always start with waters breaking?

Both of mine started with waters braking without warning, and straight into contractions but I think that's quite unusual. You'll more than likely start with a few uncomfortable contractions that gradually get closer and longer and the penny will drop. Having had some quite unuaual labours and deliveries I'm worried this time that I won't know I'm in labour, and it's my third!