True Labor Contractions

Brianna
Mama's who have recently delivered: What did your true labor contractions feel like? From beginning to end! 
I know I am not alone in wondering! I have seen many posts about false labor. 
I was monitored for 20 hours last weekend only to be sent home b/c I wasn't making any progress. Contractions were 2-3 mins apart for four of those hours! They finally gave me something to slow them down after 8 hours. Everyone in my doctor's office & L&D triage was surprised to see me still pregnant! 
So, how will I know when it's the real deal?!
*I am a second-time mom, but my water broke with my first & I was already 7cm when I got to the hospital. I had three body-shaking contractions before I got my epidural!