I want to know if a woman could into labor without her water bag breaking or without having contractions.

I had Braxton-Hicks (sp?) contractions with both of my children. They are like warm up contractions where the belly gets real tight and releases on a regular schedule. They aren't as forceful and isn't considered labor (or so my OB said!).

My water broke with my daughter but not my son.

Yes, what Em said is VERY good.

Labor can begin with the softening and dilation of the cervix.

When you are in labor though, you KNOW it!!

My mom said her water neverbroke with any of us and that when she went into labor, they had to break her water for her.

That is very true Becca, with all 4 of mine, my water NEVER broke, but the contractions were so strong that I just KNEW I was in labor.