Okay so please any advice is appreciated lol. I had a c section with my first at 37 weeks due to…

Okay so please any advice is appreciated lol. I had a c section with my first at 37 weeks due to preeclampsia. never dilated, thinned, or had contractions that I actually felt. not even BH. I had back labor but couldn't tell I was having contractions. I just felt like I was on my period just cramps constantly no break in between. so I know I have a bit to go but what does it feel like going into labor? I know not all women's water breaks, I know to look for the bloody show which never came with my daughter, but what else do I need to look for? What did it feel like to you? I'm getting paranoid that I won't know until it's too late lol.