What are the sure signs of labour?

Labour -- like everything else -- is never completely straightforward and everyone has different experiences. However, here are some common signs of labour: 1) Your water breaking 2) You have strong regular contractions 3) Your mucus plug is dispelled 4) Your back hurts more than usual 5) You get diarrhoea Source: http://www.parents.com/pregnancy/giving-birth/signs-of-labor/labor-signs/ On a personal note, two of my friends complained that they literally could not walk the day before giving birth because their ankles were soooo swollen.