How will I know I'm in labour?

[TOWGA]

I'm 38 + 2 and getting backache and period pain, how will I know I'm in labour?

You probably won't know to begin with, but it will become obvious when the contractions become longer and closer together.

I had backache and period like cramps for weeks before the birth, but irregularly and not that painful - able to continue whatever I was doing at the time. The first noticeable difference with "real" contractions was that they were much more regular.

That is how the early stages felt for me for a few hours. That evening my waters broke with a gush and my contractions were unmistakeable! Similar experiences both times, 36+5 and 39+0.

I was 39+5 and mine just started with contractions when I woke up at 7am. As I showered and got ready, they got stronger so I rang the hospital and went in around 1pm and I was 6cm dilated by then.

I had to have my waters broken in hospital, so I didn't have that as a sign of labour starting.

My waters broke first so it was a bit more obvious. 38 weeks exactly. If your getting period like pain you could be starting labour.

My waters didn’t break until I was 8cm. I had leaking breasts all evening and then woke up with short/sharp contractions that took my breath away 😊

Thanks, I'm still getting period pains, and backache and tightenings but they seem to come and go more than have a pattern, like it is fairly close together but only for like 20 seconds at time. I'm meant to be having a planned c section next week!