On Monday I had irregular contractions and pains, midwife checked at 3pm and said I was 1/1.5 cm dilated. Went to hospital (no rush), was seen at around 9 and they said that I hadn't gotten anymore dilated so I was fine to go home (they did other tests but everything was fine). When I got home, I was in a lot of pain in my top (?) back and stomach, was being sick etc, so we called the midwife and she came to check on me (this was at about 2am) and examined me again. I was 2cm by that point and she said she thought it'd be wise to sleep for a few hours (for energy) as things would be moving on quicker afterwards. Since then, I've had lower back pain, but it's not as painful and it's like a period pain but not unbearable or at the point where I feel the need to take something for it. I did have a few stomach pains yesterday but nothing major. TMI warning (I did warn you), I've had loose bowels, but no signs of a show, plug or waters breaking. How much longer can I stay like this for?? I just want it to be over with 
first baby, 38+6 (if that helps)