No spontaneous labor, contractions or dilation

With my previous pregnancy, I realised that my body did not show any signs of labor even when my kid was under distress. No contractions, no dilation, cervix closed completely, no funneling etc in 40th week. With baby in distress of course I had to get c section immediately. So it is entirely my responsibility to go and get the baby out when it is about time. I don't understand why doesn't the usual things happen to me like water breaking, contractions etc. Is there anyone else with similar experience?