Don't know if this is relevant as I was induced.

I was induced because they had to closely monitor little one and had protien in my urine.

The ob didn't believe me when i said i'd had no pain but was quite alarmed upon examination that i'd dilated 5 cms without even knowing,Was promptly booked in to be induced. All stages of labour i was giggling through contractions prior to needing to push without pain killers.

My mother had no idea she was in labour until she felt the urge to push. Which was lucky she was having asthma problems and was in hospital for monitoring anyway

My friend was having random contractions for 2 weeks prior to having her baby.

So I guess I'm saying that I think it depends on the individual.

HTH!