Ladies when did labor start

I went to the doctor yesterday because of pains that started the day before and dizziness and headaches and my doctor hooked me up to the machine and said I am contracting 3 in 20 minutes but said she was not worried and sent me home she said when baby is ready she will make her appearance well she didn't check me I'm 35 weeks 1 day did anyone else not get checked? And how OMG after these contractions did you start active labor.. I'm still currently having  the contractions day 3..