Started having contractions at 1:15AM last night they got close together and strong. I ended up going into the hospital around 5AM this morning.

They checked me and I was 4cm and 50% effaced. Contractions were consistent and 2-5 minutes apart. They checked my cervix 2 hours later again and I was still 4cm and same effacement. They sent me home because I am only 37 weeks and they’re not allowed to help you along before 39 weeks. Contractions were strong for 8-9 hours and then randomly slowed down and stopped. Has anyone experienced something similar? If so, how long did it take for you to go in active labor from here and have the baby?