For me it was back ache, period pain, that started at about 11pm, then by about 4am had turned into contractions - a different pain, tightening, at the front instead of back.

My waters didn't break until about 6pm that evening, so over 12 hours since labour started!

I didn't have a show either... My obs said I possibly lost my plug really slowly, as I had heavy discharge in the weeks leading up to birth.

I also had loose bowel movements the day before and vomitting when the contractions started.