...How do you know when you are in labour? This is my first baby and I haven't a clue what to expect?????

I would love to know the answer to this! I have no advice I am afraid!!

with my first baby, i had a membrane sweep on the friday and straight away i started getting tightening around my tummy.

Loosing your plug is one sign labour should be on its way. But the contractions are the main thing to look out for. Whenever you experience pain that isnt 'normal' to you and it feels like a band is tightening around your tummy this could be it. Time them and see how regular they are coming, firstly they should be every 10ish minutes (well that's what mines were) and eventually they came down to every 2-3 minutes that was 2 days later though. always contact your midwife if you think you are in labour as they will talk you through it on the phone and get you up to check if your cervix has dilated or beginning to ie ripe. I was 1-2cm when i got my membrane sweep. Other factors that can happen but might not to you are a gush of water coming out (ie your waters have broke) but if you feel any pressure or you feel like you have to push! then get to the hospital straight away or phone your midwife! x