Many people feel like baby is about to come as soon as they start getting contractions. Especially as the contractions in early labour often seem far too painful to possibly not be “real” labour.
For other people they wonder if they are in labour at all or just imagining things in their desire to finally be in labour.
Early signs of labour can include:

Persistent lower back pain with period like cramping pains

Persistent abdominal pain

Your waters breaking

Contractions which are regular, increase in frequency and increase in pain

A “show”. This is a bloody mucus discharge …

If you are planning to be in hospital for just one night here are some essentials:
A night dress or loose dress (for the birth)
Gigantic knickers and pyjamas (for after the birth)
Socks or slippers
Dressing gown (you will feel better if you end up on a ward if you have a bit of extra coverage)
A hair brush, clips and bobbles
A book or mini games console for hubby/ your birth partner to use in the stretches between contractions (if you are lucky enough to have down periods)
Lots of change for coffee machines, telephones, …