3cm dilated. What am I waiting for? I'm so uncomfortable and confused.

[Whatsthatspookynoise]

I went for a midwife appointment yesterday at 40+1. The midwife said I was 2-3cm dilated. I've been in a lot of pain due to baby being in the exact right position. I cried when she said she was going to check and panicked horribly. I kept tensing when she said she was going to try and stretch me so she couldn't do it, which she said was fine. It didn't hurt, but I just couldn't relax down there as I was so upset.

So when the baby moves I get the nastiest stabbing pain in my vagina. Braxton Hicks are driving me mad. She said I'll probably go into labor before Friday, but if not go back in and book an induction.

I don't know what I'm waiting for. What does 2-3cm even mean? What size does it have to be for me to get contractions? She said at 4 I can go to hospital, but I obviously don't know how dilated I am going to be. Am I waiting for period pains or back pain? I just have no idea what's supposed to happen really. 😔

Ring triage once your contractions are every 5 mins and lasting 1 min or more.
I don’t think there’s a particular pattern, I had very intense contractions (enough to stay in hospital) at 1cm dilated then progressed to 10cms in just 2 hours but I know others who’ve taken days to reach active labour. Jump in a hot bath, it helps move things along. Good luck, baby is coming xxx

One more thing. Don’t worry, you’ll know it’s a contraction when you have one!

It is like period pains which get pretty intense. Try to relax.

Ooh those stabbing pains are horrid. Trust me when you have a full blown contraction you will know about it and adrenaline will kick in and you won't be so anxious. You can do this and it will all be good!

Thanks everyone!! No type of period pains yet, just that nasty stabbing/pressure that I have to breathe through. Feels like he's going to fall out, it's so painful. I've been having nice warm baths and sleeping.

Thanks again x