I was quite nieve as well - I was in labor for several hours before relising it. My contractions never became "established" they were like period pain but more intense and lasting for about 20 seconds and then fading away - they were mostly down in my lower abdomen and in my back...I managed to only go to the hosptial when I felt something wasnt right and an hour later Jayde was born...Though I do say If I had to stop what I was doing and breathe my way through the pain that was probably a good indication

I was stupid enough to relise that pushing sensation (like I needed to go to the toilet) was actually my little one saying "I am here and I am ready" though my waters never actually broke - as she was so far down they "trickled" out as that was my indication that I needed to go to hospital.