How do you know dilation and effacement so early?

Question

Just wondering how so many people know their dilation and effacement already? Are you having internal exams or is it through ultrasound?
I'm in Aus, and the standard (if no complications I assume) is no internal exams until labour starts 
I didn't have any with my first - but now I'm curious what I would be with my second as having painful BH already at 33 weeks! 
Thanks ☺️

Answer

I had asked, at 33 weeks because I just had the feeling something was starting, I was at 1cm and 50% effaced, and it helped me because this past Friday I went into preterm labor and we were able to compare and see whether it was Braxton Hicks or legit labor (it was legit I went up another centimeter before they could stop my labor)

Answer

I'm also in Australia. My midwife yesterday said they don't do it anymore till you are full term & need a bit of a push (even then apparently it's for a reason).

Answer

I’m in Australia too I asked my midwife when she would check me (because I dilate and labour very slow) and she said she would rather not poke at it but if I MUST know she will check when I’m term which is 37 weeks. Only two weeks to go 😬

Answer

Braxton Hicks are normal, I’ve been having them since 16 weeks 💕 and you’ll know through cervical checks

Answer

They start checking at the weekly appointments in the US which begin at 36 weeks. I got checked at 33 weeks bc I was having contractions

Answer

Cervical checks. I refuse to get them before labor. But that's how people know

How do you know dilation and effacement so early?

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