37 weeks-4cm 70% effaced

[Expecting_baby2]

I'm 37.3 weeks pregnant with my 2nd. I had my last Dr. Appointment on Friday when I found out I'm already 4cm dilated, 70% effaced and a -2 station. With this being my 2nd I understand anything can happen at this point and fast. I'm not really feeling contractions but have severe back pain. I want to make sure I make it to the hospital in time to get my epidural, selfish I know. Should I be concerned that I wasn't admitted to the hospital dilated at a 4??

[adgal]

I wouldnt' be overly concerned but I would watch.  I was stuck at about 2cm for weeks, so I know it can take awhile, or it can happen fast.  My hospital typically does not admit until 5cm unless there is a complication and I do believe that is fairly common practice. I also agree with ladyhenry that what you could be experiencing is back labor. However, if it's still not too extreme, things are probably fine.  However, any concerns (and yep, I would consider possibly missing out on that epidural a concern), head into L&D again.

Sounds like any minute now your going to be holding that baby!  Huge congrats to you.

[LadyHenry]

From my understanding and reading a lot of post and books, back pain can be labor. My first pregnancy I had extremely painful cramps, my second was more of a pressure type feeling but still painful but ended up having to get a c-section because of her heart rate dropping during contractions. A lot of women said they had their contractions in their back. Hope this helps a little. Good luck and congrats!!