For 1st birth waters were broken by OB in hossie, for 2nd waters broke in the bath in labour and it was like a pop and release of pressure with me giving birth around 15-20mins later.

The pains started like period cramps but felt deeper and lasted longer. If I moved they got more intense. When it got more intense it felt like I had to do a big poo. The real contractions start to last longer than false ones. It's true when they say you know when you're in labour for real.