I'm curious if any experienced moms have had a good amount of dilation with no active labor? I've been feeling intermittent contractions for about 3-4 weeks now (37 weeks tomorrow) and was checked last Friday and was told I was 3.5 cm and effaced. Yesterday I was checked again ( frequent appts due to cholestasis ) and I was 5 cm. My doctor was a bit surprised I'm not feeling painful frequent contractions, I'm feeling them but they come and go and are like kenstrusl cramps. I'm terrified I'm going to dilate more and not know I'm in active labor. My mother didn't know she was in labor for me and I was almost born at home and I guess it's hereditary. I'm wondering if anyone can ease my mind if they've had a similar experience and if so, when did you know it was "time"?