How do I know if in labor?

Question

I have cramps, back pain, and I think I'm 3-4cm dialating and I don't if in stage of labor my cramps are painful but don't last to long and there not often. Last night I had a really bad lower back pain for about 5 min long or maybe longer it made me cry and I couldn't move at all but today I only gotten cramps and butt cramps

Answer

Again, I didn't know I was in labor...this second time...

I went to my midwife appointment on my 40 week day. She sent me to the birth center and said I was four centimeters and having regular contractions. ...had the baby that night. It blew my mind. I had her break my water at six cm, since I still didn't feel much. Two-ish or something hours later, I pushed my baby out in a pool of warm water. Pushed 8 minutes. Unbelievable.

Answer

I used to get cramps and stuff as well and would always wonder how I would know if it was labour or not. Then when I was actually in labour, I finally knew what everyone meant when they said "don't worry, you will absolutely know". I had never felt anything like my actual contractions before in my life (and I'd had Braxton hicks since 24 weeks pregnant). 
That might not be the case for everyone though, mine progressed very quickly. I went from having mild cramps to getting contractions lasting 1 minute every 3 minutes...and it only took about 1.5 hours to go from 4cm to her being born!

Answer

You may be having pre labour signs but these can come and go for weeks. You will know when it is real labour when you each contraction takes all your focus. And then when you have 3 of them in 10 minutes it's time to call your midwife/doctor/L&D about going in. Before that you may not be dilated enough and they'll send you home

How do I know if in labor?

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