Is it possible to not know when contractions are starting?

Question

It’s early to be getting into this discussion, but I’m curious. 
With my 1st pregnancy baby was breech. I went to the hospital at 37 weeks to attempt to turn baby (ECV - long story in itself). The attempt failed, so I delivered by planned c-section, which means I’ve never gone into labor.
When I was at the hospital for the ECV they kept asking me how I’m feeling because apparently I was starting contractions. They had me hooked up to a machine and could see them, and honestly I never felt a thing. 
I have this fear that if I get to have a VBAC, labor will sneak up on me and baby will be coming before I’m aware that I’ve been in labor for a while already.
I’ll know when the contractions mean go to the hospital, right?

Answer

I had contractions for two days before proper labor started. I felt them and they were pretty strong, but it’s true what they say, active labor you won’t be able to easily talk through contractions. If you can call your dr/midwife and have a conversation through your contractions, it’s not go-time yet. (Though it’s not a bad idea to call and give a heads up if you’re having regular contractions, even if it’s not active labor yet) 
Also, you’ll probably have some bleeding from your cervix and you might puke! It’s pretty intense - you can’t really miss it!

Answer

I go at first sign of labour 
My last baby (baby 5) I went from 3cm to holding in 7mins! 
I’ve been warned this baby to get my ass in if I suspect any contractions

Answer

I didn’t feel them either until I was 6cm. My water broke and I stayed home until it started gushing (it trickled for 5hrs), and went bc that terrified me 🤣 but I had zero pain.

Answer

Yup I didn't feel my contractions with my first until I was about 6-7 cm but I knew I was in labor because my water broke at around 3cm lol 
With my second I went into labor at 29 weeks and definitely knew my contractions which they managed to stop for a few days but I had a csection. 
I am also planning for a TOLAC/VBAC delivery but if no baby by 39 weeks I'll have a planned csection at 39w1d

Answer

Absolutely! You can contract for a day or two before going into active labor. With my first they saw contractions on the us that i didn't feel.  About 7 hours later i sure felt them but it was still another three hours before they were close enough to go to l&d. You'll know

Is it possible to not know when contractions are starting?

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