I had two totally different experiences...the first time around I didn't realise I was having contractions...I just thought it was pre-labour cramps...after about 3 hours it was getting worse & worse so I called the hospital (between contractions) and they said it did sound like labour. At first it just felt like period pain cramps then it got worse and worse, so much so I couldn't even speak...got to the hospital 6 hours later and I was fully dilated and ready to push.

The second time around, I just KNEW it was labour right from the start...after the first contraction (which was like a very strong period pain) I knew it wouldn't be long...this time they started strong from the first one and only got worse at transition. That labour was less than 5 hours from start to finish!