Yeah, I know contractions aren't the same for everyone, but I certainly wouldn't call them achey. And they are not constant - there are breaks in between them. They are like either period pains, or the pains you get with an upset tummy. I am pretty sure you'll know them when they happen, alhtough in all honesty I didn't know I was in labour the first time, but it could have just been denial LOL. Anyway, my DH knew, he had no doubts so luckily I did get to hossy in time.