Symptoms you had before finding out you’re dilated?

I have to get checked twice a week from now on for dilation because as soon as I start dilating on my own I have to go in to have my baby due to possible birthing risks if I don’t make it to the hospital on time. Last week I was effaced but not dilated any.

I’m worried I’m not gonna be dilated again today. My baby is very low and my cervix is anterior already. Last night I had bad back pain, but it honestly felt more like a pinched nerve than anything. And then I literally felt like my baby was going to force his way out, it felt like I was being clawed at my cervix.

I was just wondering if anyone had any symptoms and then got checked to find out they’re dilated. It seems like birth is so close and so far away at the same time. With my first I didn’t get checked but one time because my body didn’t handle it well. This time I’ve been checked a lot and no problems just not dilated.