Hi, I've been having major pains in my lower back, hips, and down both legs for the last few days. Both legs feel weak and shaky, especially when standing up or walking around, my dr has diagnosed this as sciatic nerve pain. I am 38 wks, 1 day pregnant, and have been having regular contractions approx 5 mins apart for 2 and a half weeks. According to my gyn, I lost the mucus plug around the same time the contractions began, however, while the cervix has been softening and thinning, it is not dilating. Despite all the pain, and the fact that the baby has measured 2-4 weeks ahead the entire pregnancy, my dr will not consider induction until after 40 weeks. Does this increased sciatic pain mean actual labor is going to begin soon?