Mine never felt like period cramps either -- but you can definitely feel your uterus harden. You may not notice them at first -- but once you have about three in a row, you'll really pay attention and realize that they are probably contractions.

I never got contractions until after my water broke -- with my first, probably within 30 minutes of the water breaking and with my twins, it was pretty immediate once my water broke.

Good luck!!

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Amanda