Some ways you know you are in labor… contractions starting out somewhat far apart and not very strong, to close together and really intense. Your water can break and there will be either a trickle or a gush, for me i thought i had lost complete control of my bladder and was very embarassed. you may notice in the days before you go into labor that there is clear and sometimes bloody mucusy stuff when you wipe, that is your mucus plug and if you notice it it means your cervix is starting to dialate. I have heard that birthing pools help to eleveate pain in labor, and the amount it hurts depends on you. If you have a strong tolerance for pain then it may hurt less. If your babys head is facing up you will experience back pain worse then the contractions in your belly. It helps to be on your side or kneeling if that happens.And i highly recommend an epidural if the pain is too intense. It will help you to enjoy the experience more. I had one with both my children, and for me i could still feel everything but not as strong. I hope this helps, and good luck to you and your baby. 🙂