The beginning of labour feels different for everyone - though some of us have been lucky to have the text book beginning.
Often labour begins with a crampy feeling in the lower abdo that comes & goes. Often it's happening for a while & it's brushed off as BH - when labour has begun though usually the cramps become more regular, closer together & have more bite to them.

I had a text book labour with my DS. I had period type cramping that came & went. Gradually it became obvious it wasn't BH & it was the real deal... Basically they built in momentum and strength..

With my DD labour began with a bang straight away at 2minute intervals - it was much harder to cope with that...

So, when those crampings start - take some time to notice how far apart, how ouchy, how long they last. Often swaying your hips or squatting as things progress is a great way of dealing wiht the pain & assisting your baby's birth. I kept it all to myself until I was sure. I didn't tell my husband I just kept a watch... I though get very insular in labour. I hate fussing...

When you find it hard to have a conversation through a contraction - you know that labour is progressing along. Many women notice that they begin to lose some of the plug about now too..

This is so exciting my love... Your baby will choose it's birthday & we are all here...