Contractions?

[BayleeMamaBear]

Friday my doctor told me that I am 2 cm dilated and "pretty soft" and then went on to explain that if my water broke or if I had 4 or more contractions in an hour to head on into the ER. It seems pretty direct and from my 1st pregnancy I know I can be at 2 cm for a LONG time, however she seemed pretty sure that I'll be meeting my little boy soon. My question is this: what am I looking for with contractions? I've done research and it seems to describe it as strong menstrual cramps, diarrhea, irritation, hard belly, hip pain, back pain, etc. With my 1st I had been induced at 39w5d, and had opted for an epidural and then had to have a c-section, so actually feeling a contraction come on its own is foreign to me. I do remember before the epidural I had A LOT of back pain after I had been induced and had progressed fairly far along. I know I had to have had contractions in order to be dilated, and I've had some mild to strong aching pains in my lower back and abdomen. I assume those must have been contractions, but they barely lasted any time at all and weren't as painful as my typical menstrual cramps. Since my appointment I have been feeling these pains a little more frequently (about 2-3 times a day) but still for a very short amount of time. I've also been experiencing diarrhea and cramps that seem typical to having diarrhea. Does this sound like contractions or am I over thinking all of this because of my appointment? P.S. I am 35w2d, and sorry for the long post! TIA

[BayleeMamaBear]

My doctor at the time said I had been dilated between 1 and 2. Less than what I am now.

[Lee86lee]

When u got induced with ur first one we're u dilated.

[BayleeMamaBear]

Thank you! And I do appreciate the honesty.

[Miss_Popp]

Good luck BTW! You will do great momma!

[Miss_Popp]

I had the worst contractions in the world with my son. I thought I was dying! I don't want to scare you but I would want honesty too lol they felt like period cramps times 1,000. Some people don't get them that bad though. But in any case if you are having contractions and its time then you WILL know.