cramping, contractions, etc. how do you know how close you really are?

I'm just wondering how you know you're close....
do you get contractions then get crampy? are you just crampy?
does your back have to hurt?
does your water break?

lol...

looking for signs that you know its time to get up, get in the shower and pack that bag.

Re: cramping, contractions, etc. how do you know how close you really are?

It's different for everyone. I had no contractions/cramping. But my water broke. Other had contractions. I would time your contractions

Re: cramping, contractions, etc. how do you know how close you really are?

I'm not rushing to the hospital. This is my first and likely will be LONG process. I get the impression that when I'm in labor, I will KNOW. So until then I will stay home and get ready. Unless my water breaks or I'm ready for pain meds

Re: cramping, contractions, etc. how do you know how close you really are?

I woke up in the morning around 630am with BH contractions and AF cramps. Some of the contractions I would feel in my back more then the front. I waited about a half hour to see if they would go away. When they didn't go away, I started timing them. They where about 10 minutes apart. After and hour or timing, I knew this was it when they weren't going away. So I took a shower and started to finish packing. I really knew it was labor when I lost my mucus plug in the shower. The cramps got gradually stronger and closer together. I didn't call the doctor until my contractions where 5 min apart and much more painful.
I plan on staying home as long as I can this time around. I went in a little early last time and was almost sent home. I thought I was having bad contractions at the time, but I was so wrong. LOL
They broke my water in the hospital.

The day before I went into labor, I felt like crap. I was having alot of BH contractions and just felt off. I had a horrible night sleep as well.

Message edited 2/6/2012 10:41:23 PM.