How to know how far dilated you are?

[Meluchja]

I know this might sound stupid. But how do you find out how far dilated you are? I know your career can tell you during an internal examination, but do you request for them to do one? I know with my first, I didn't have my first internal until after my waters had broken.
But I'm really curious to know what is going on down there. After having a early labour stopped at 32 weeks and told that I had started to dilate, I'm curious to know how far! In the last few weeks, I have been having alot of pre labour symptoms. I know this means nothing other than my body is getting ready to labour and that it could still be weeks off (preferrably at least another 1-2 at least), but I'm just want to know what my body is up to
Did anyone request an internal to see how far dilated they were? Or will the hospital staff only perform one if medically required.
I'm normally one to leave these sorts of things up to mother nature, and I'm still aware that bubs will come when ready, but I feel like I just NEED to know IYKWIM.
Thanks in advance.