There is lots of websites about labour and the stages you go thru...I don't have any off the top of my head but if you google it they will pop up! Spend time reading them as they will mentally prepare you for what will happen but remember that it is not the same for every woman!

I had the same aprehension as you but like it has been stated by the wise women before me...your body has this unbeleivable way of knowing what to do and when to do it!!! I was amazed at how it all works!!

My mum gave me one piece of advice that really worked for me and that was to stay relaxed and don't try and fight the urges or feelings your body gives you...just go with it!!!

I spent the whole day(woke up at 7am) thinking I was having contractions but because I had a week to go I kept telling myself it wasn't....I spent all day on this site reading labour stories and trying to work out if I was having Braxton Hicks or the real deal! I sent my hubby to work at 11.30pm that night still in denial but by 2am I was having really close and long contractions so I rang the hospital and they said to stay at home a bit longer.....then I had a show and started being sick...That FREAKED me out!!
Hubby came home from work about 3am and rang the hospital for me and they said come in so I did (4am) because being sick is a sign of labour (now I know that) They examined me and were going to send me home to get some sleep but then I had a contraction and an amazing urge to push which I went with....
My waters broke and an hour and a half later (6.55am) my beautiful baby boy was here!!!
It was only a 4 hour labour...(they took it from active labour 2am) No drugs at all which made me even prouder!! My midwife was amazing and hubby of course!!!

So I realised I actually did all the pre labour work at home that day and didn't even know it!!!
Hey yea it doesn't tickle but my gosh did I learn something about my body and how amazing we women really are!!!
At the end of this long story I will finish with believe in your body and you will know what to do!! I can't wait to do it again!!!!!!
Good luck with it all xoxoxoxo