The mucus plug will look grayish and slimy, and may be tinged with blood. You may be in labor. Once there, your cervix will be checked, and if labor has begun, you'll stay. If they're not sure, you may be asked to walk around for an hour or two, or be put on a fetal monitor. Call your doctor or midwife right away if your water breaks or you have any vaginal bleeding, even if contractions have not started in earnest.
Many women say that early labor feels like menstrual cramps that intensify as labor progresses.
Some women have a backache, nausea or diarrhea. If you feel like eating, have something light. A heavy meal could cause problems if you need anesthesia later. A shower often helps take your mind off the early pains. Yes, cops and cabdrivers deliver babies, but that is rare, and usually you will have plenty of time to get to the hospital before your delivery.