I went into labour the first time totally unaware of what I was in for, and afterwards had the greatest appreciation from what I learnt first hand rather than reading too much in books or asking for family members to fill me in on what to expect....

now I know what I'm in for but still excited You will know real contractions because they are stronger, more frequent and don't go away.... Also you will probably have a 'show' of your mucus plug around the time of real labour and your waters could break too.... Mine didn't though