How does Hilary Erickson advise on detecting early signs of dilation without a cervical check?

Hilary Erickson suggests that there are a few ways to guess if you're dilating without a cervical check. One sign is feeling more pressure in your pelvic area as the baby descends into the birth canal. This might also make you feel like you need to pee more often. Another sign could be experiencing more "stabbing" pains in your birth canal. Losing your mucus plug is also a sign that your cervix has opened a bit. However, Hilary emphasizes that these signs are not particularly reliable and the best way to know for sure is to have your healthcare provider check your cervix.

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