How did you know you were going into labor ? What was it like the hours before ? What were your symptoms? I lost my mucus plug last week...

These past 2 days I've had this burst of energy. I'm was awake at 2 am and today at 3 am, I've had the feeling of "I need to poop" often (TMI) which is rare for me .. I've lived constipated my whole life and pregnancy. I can't remember what period cramps feel like as the last time I recall having them was when I was like 18 years old but I feel something and I'd say period cramps but I'm not sure. Today I woke up with lots of pelvic pain that shoots to my lower back... I have no idea of what a contraction is supposed to feel like but the fact that my back is hurting me I'm terrified of back labor as I heard it is far worse and I'm attempting to go med free.