I think I was experiencing pre-labour for about a week or 2 before going into labour. I was having bad lower back pain, it wasn't until I was in labour that I realised thats what it was as I felt my contractions as really low, strong period pain that went all the way round to my back (if that makes sense) At the time I just though it was aches and pains of being pregnant. I started loosing my plug 3-4 days before going into labour