How/when did your waters break?

My waters broke on the toilet after blowing my nose with my first kid hours before any contractions even started, and when they did start it was a lot of pressure and pain down my thighs and lower back. I know a lot of people get contractions before their waters break and wondering if the contractions that happen when your waters are still intact are less intense or much the same. Anyone experienced both ways that can compare the two?