My first pregnancy I never felt contractions until I went into labor and I never dilated past a 1 but my son came on his own two days after his due date. I remember going to a drs appt and her telling me I was having a contraction but I never did feel anything. This time around I feel every single one of them.
For my first pregnancy I didn't experience any Braxton hicks prior to baby's due date, but did have quite a bit of back pain. Later found out I was having back labor, I don't know how long for since back pain during my pregnancy was pretty common especially towards the end. On actual due date woke up to my water breaking at 4am. 3 hours later contractions started, and I delivered my daughter 8:30 at night. Hoping number 2 comes quicker lol.
My first pregnancy the doctor had me hooked up to the monitor to check on the baby, I was past my dd. She told me I was having contractions and I didn't feel them.
I agree with RockRose. Even though i can tolerate some pain,I felt so much pain for both of my two previous birthing experiences.
My sister had her first baby in july and she said it didn't hurt at all.
Hope yours is easy going!
Since you're 4 cm dilated, you're having contractions. Some women have higher pain tolerances and view the contractions as cramps and don't notice them all that much. My guess is you'll have a fairly easy labor, if you haven't already had the baby. Happy pushing!