Super long post coming…

I’m so frustrated and slightly confused!! So I went into L&D two days ago for steady contractions. Got to a 2 in triage then I was at a 4.5 less than 2 hours later. After getting admitted, a steroid shot for baby’s lungs, and being there for around 6 hours I asked for a check because I thought I wanted my epidural. Well they checked me after my epidural (which I had no big problem with because I was sure I progressed) well after they checked me I found out I was pretty much in the same position I was in. I was super bummed but contractions were still coming and getting stronger so I tried to just relax. At about 3am yesterday morning contractions stopped all together. I got checked around 7am and still didn’t progress. They said they were going to stop my epidural so I could walk around and move and then check me again before they give me my second steroid shot around 1. Well I didn’t get any feeling back in my legs till 4 hours later and I didn’t get checked until right before I got my shot (which I knew was pointless because contractions never came back and I never walked) after telling me I haven’t progressed in about 24 hours they were going to send me home instead of starting things back up because I’m only 36 weeks. So they gave me my second shot and discharged me. Now, the next morning. I’m loosing huge chunks of my mucus plug. Cramps are starting, and I’m not sure when is the right time to go back because I’m at 4cm (likely 5cm now) but I don’t want to get sent home a second time. What would you ladies do? This is definitely my bloody show and I have a pad on in case my water breaks. But this is my second baby. And with my first I had her out and in my arms 10 minutes after my water broke so I’m hoping it doesn’t break here at home. Any advice or words of wisdom or anything? What would you ladies do? I’m trying to keep myself from being frustrated. I know baby will come when she is ready but I REALLY don’t want to have this baby in the car lol.

Ps. I will not be getting the epidural when I go back so any natural birth tips are also very welcome.

Update 09/16/2022: Contractions have completely stopped. I’m a little early so I’m trying to be okay with that but I was so excited to meet my baby girl🥺my cervix is still behind her head so while she’s dropping it’s not doing a great job dilating me. Stuck between trying to walk to pick contractions back up or relaxing and just seeing what happens.