cervical dilation 101: frequently asked questions March 11, 2007
Posted by guinever in birth, labor, pregnancy.trackback
What is the cervix? The cervix is the bottom part or neck of the uterus. The cervix opens during labor so the baby may pass through the womb into the birth canal and be born.
What is effacement? Effacement is the thinning and softening of the cervix which is measured in percentages. Usually the cervix is long, hard, and closed, and at this point the effacement would be at 0%. Towards the end of pregnancy, Braxton Hicks contractions occur (sometimes you aren’t aware that you’re having contractions) which start this effacement process. Once the cervix starts to efface, then it can start to dilate too. As effacement continues, the cervix softens, becomes mushy, and then slippery. When fully effaced at 100%, the cervix has virtually disappeared against the baby’s head.
What is dilation? Dilation is the opening up of the cervix and is measured in centimeters. A fingertip dilated means about 1 centimeter dilated. Full dilation is 10 centimeters. Once full dilation occurs, the cervix is completely gone and over the baby’s head, and the mother may push the baby out to be born.
What causes the cervix to change? The uterus is a muscle that contracts or tightens. During a contraction, the baby’s head (or other presenting part), pushes down on your cervix, causing it to dilate and efface.
Why does backward dilation sometimes happen and is it normal? First of all, yes it’s normal and is not something to be worried about. Backwards dilation can occur if the baby’s head isn’t pressing as hard on your cervix as it once was. If your labor slows down and you’re not having any contractions, the cervix can close up a little. Don’t worry, once contractions pick up, you’ll soon be dilating again. A change in dilation can occur when someone new is checking your cervix. One nurse’s five cm dilated, 85% effaced may be another nurse’s six cm dilated, 80% effaced.
Feel free to ask a question and then check back later for an answer, but please don’t ask me when I think you are going to have your baby. You will find additional clarification of when your labor may start by reading my other two articles on dilation linked below. I repeat do not ask me when I think you might go into labor. Don’t ask me things because I have no idea. Thanks for your consideration. What does being 2 centimeters dilated mean?
How long does it take the cervix to dilate 5 centimeters?
For more articles about pregnancy and birth, please refer to my welcome page.
I am 30 weeks pregnant and my cervix is starting to soften is this okay. This is also my fourth child. I have been having a lot of pressure and difficulty walking.
Why do they say you have to have contractions in order to start dialating. When I went to the hospital with my son by ambulance because of a separated placenta they said at 2am that I was 3cm dialated but I never experienced contractions until 3am. Can you have contractions but not feel them at all. I am 35 weeks pregnant with my 4th child and I’m sure that I’ve been dropped for almost 2weeks. I see my OB in 2 days, I’ve been getting really weird pains/tingly type in my vagina and I’m getting really anxious about everything, I’m even nesting right now cleaning my house top to bottom like I did with my first daughter(I only experienced this with her) and I was 3 weeks early with her. I go early with all my children. Any insight would be greatly appreciated. Sorry for being so long winded.
i am 33 weeks pregnant with twins and dialated 2 cent. my contractions are 1-3 min apart and i have lost my mucous plug. what can i do to speed thing up?
Hi, I am 34 and 1/2 weeks pregnant, although my baby is measuring 6 days older. Does this usually mean the date is off? He weighed 4.9 pounds at 32 weeks and as I have read, that is bigger than usual for 32 weeks? Also, I was dialated 1 cm at 32 weeks and since then I have had yucky contractions off and on but they always stop after 4 or 5 hours. I have a lot of pressure in my pelvis, as the baby dropped a couple of weeks ago and my lower back always contracts with my stomach. Does this sound familiar because I am going nuts wondering when I could be delivering this baby?
I am 37 weeks along and have been having lots of cramps and contractions but nothing that lasts, so I have been researching on how to check my own cervix and when I did, it felt soft and squishy and pretty short. I could get a finger in but inside the squishy part it felt like there was a rubberband around the inside. Could you explain this to me?
I am 31 weeks along with my second child, i went in to the hospital for back pains and lower cramps in my stomach, they determined it was a UTI, but checked me anyways and the nurse said i was one cm dilated already that was all she said and i was sent home does this mean i will deliver a bit earlier than thought or what?
I was told 3 days ago that I was 2 cm and 50% effaced and that the baby has engaged. I started having contractions about 20 min after my exam. They lasted for about 3 hours and were 3-4 min apart and lasting around a min to a min and a half each. Then all of a sudden they stopped. I have had a few more in the last few days but no sign of them becoming regular. I have had braxton hicks contractions for over a month and a half and these ones felt different. Just like the contractions I had when I was in labour with my daughter. I tried finding my cervix last night but everything just seemed so soft and mooshy in there and I couldn’t find it. I know it is a trained skill to be able to find it and understand it but generally how far up into the vaginal cavity is it?
I don’t know when I conceived but now I’m 27 weeks and the baby is measuring at 33 weeks. I’m not due until October. I have only gained 5 pounds. Is the baby going to be born big and possibly induced or C-section. This is my second pregnancy, my first I was past due and induced plus he weighed 8lbs and 10ozs.
Is this normal and will I continue to have this problem if I decide to have another?
Are you eating healthy? A five pound weight gain would only be ok if you are getting all the nutrients that you need. Protein (meats and nuts, etc), vegetables–all kinds and colors, whole grains, fruits, and dairy should all be a part of your weekly diet.
I have no idea if you will be induced or have a c-section. That is between you and your medical caregiver. Please realize that your first baby at eight pounds, 10 ounces was NOT too big. Sounds very healthy. ~Guinever
I am 31 weeks 6 days dilated to 2 and 50% effaced. This is my 4th pregnancy, my 10 year old was 36 weeks, my 4 year old was 37 weeks, and my 2 year old was 34 weeks. I have not really had any contractions, I do not have incompetent cervix. Is this normal or a sign that I’m going to have trouble with this one too?
Also, has your labor always started with your water breaking first? If yes, taking vitamin C every day and getting adequate protein (about 80 grams everyday) helps to build a strong amniotic sac that is less prone to premature rupture of membranes. ~Guinever
I am 40 weeks and this is my 3 child my others are all 5 years apart in age. My question is my cervix has not dropped down and is not dilateing. What is causing this to happen? I never had this with my other children.
im 39 weeks and 2 day whith my second baby i went to the doctor 2 days ago n they said in thinning out n im 1 cm dailated she also said with your second baby u dont walk around dailated for week with my son i was only 16 n was in labor for only 4 1/2 hours i was just woundering if you think my baby is going to come soon
I had a doctor appt on Monday he said I was 2cm dialated and 50% effaced. After the visit I started having contractions and I lost my mucus plug over a couple of days. Well, since then I have been having lots of braxton hicks just like before but nothing is happening. I was wondering if the mucus plug meant I dialated further? Also, I was thinking of trying 2TBL of castor oil today to try and get things moving. I am having a horrible time sleeping, I stop breathing and wake up gasping for air. This really scares me. I also have been vomiting in my mouth at night when I am sleeping. Doctor is not worried about it at all but I feel like the stopping breathing affects my baby as she was kicking more than normal when this was going on. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
I am 37 weeks pregnant tomorrow, and today I went to the doctor. He said I am 1 and 1/2 centimeters dialated and “flattening out” What does this mean? This is my second child, the first I delivered at 33 weeks due to my water breaking. Also, he said the my cervix was posterior. I know you don’t have a crystal ball, but does any of this info give you some insight as to when I might deliver? I guess I have been having some contractions, although they don’t seem like the ones that I remember from my first pregnancy. They don’t ease on and ease off, it is more like a ton of pressure really low in my pelvis and then it just goes away. It reminds me more of his head pressing down. Any ideas?
I was told a few days ago by my doctor that I’m 2cm dilated. I haven’t lost my mucous plug (atleast that i’ve noticed) and I was just wondering how safe castor oil is to speed up the process? If its unsafe what can I do besides walking?
Danielle, please refer to this website for information regarding castor oil. ~Guinever
Guinever,
Yes I did tell him about my stopping breathing and he just said that after the baby comes if it does not stop then I should go to a sleep clinic. The acid coming up in my mouth happens at a different time not when I stop breathing. I will be 39 weeks in 2 days and this is my fourth baby. The last two were overdue by 7 days and 10 days I was induced with them. I was hoping to go into labor on my own this time. My last baby was 9 lbs and now I am very afraid that this one is even larger. When I ask my doctor he is very vague he just says the baby is not to big for me. Anyway, I have been reading up on castor oil and it seems like it might be the ticket for me but I am concerned about how much to take and the association between meconium. Thanks.
I do not know of anyone who took castor oil whose baby passed meconium. But I have been at births where there was meconium and have also heard birth stories where meconium was passed. Meconium usually appears with a baby in distress like a mom with high blood pressure or baby not tolerating high doses of pitocin or a baby who has postdates, etc. Let me know how it goes! Blessings, Guinever
ok thanks but another question: today i passed clear mucus. i have been having pain all day whats going on?
ok thanks sorry bout not describing my pain they r coming about every 8 mins n last 1 to 1 1/2 min and i also have another question to ask you to see if u can help me on this for the past 3 weeks when i go to sleep and during the day my arms and hands have been going numb and it is killing me the past week I have only been able to get like 2 - 3 hours of sleep a day nothing seems to be helping me I have tried hand braces and it does not work I have been drinking alot of cold water like 10 glasses a day but nothing seems to help me I just wish I can sleep do you have anything that might be able to help me
I have told you that i’m 2 centimeters dilated, but last night i started having a small amount of what appeared to be bloody show. It has a brownish tint to it, but there isn’t a lot so i know there isn’t a problem. i’m just not sure what exactly the brown tint is and what it means. (in the past 24 hours i have not have sex and i have not had an internal exam) can you help me out?
Hi! I’m 37 weeks and was told at my last appointment that I am a good centimeter dilated and 75% effaced. She said the baby’s position was great as well. What is more important in terms of timing/predicting how long I have left to go…dilation or effacement? Thanks!
How long does it take the cervix to dilate 5 centimeters?
heyy I talked to my mother andshe wanted me to ask you a question when I go pee for the last 2 days I have been passing mucus in the toliet and my mother thinks it can be my water leaking is that possible or can u tell me what that is from thanks
OK THANKS YES IT HELPED I HAVE TO WEAR PAD BECAUSE I LEAKED AND i HAVE ONE MORE QUESTION i HAVE BEEN HAVING SHARP PAINS EVERYDAY WHEN U R DAILATING CAN U FEEL PAIN FROM IT
Um yes, you can feel pain from dilating. Labor is VERY HARD work! Some people describe their contractions as “sharp pains” but a contraction should build gradually in strength, stay at the peak (most painful) for several seconds and then ease off. Contractions come and go. In other words, it hurts for a minute or so then you have time in between the contractions where there is no pain. If this isn’t the type of “pain” you’re experiencing, then you let your doctor know what is going on. Also, did your doc want you to call if your water broke?
YEAH BUT THATS THE THING I GO SEE HIM TOMORROW N IM NOT SURE IF MY WATER BROKE I JUST KEEP GETT SHARP PAIN N ALOT OF MUCUS N I NO I DIALED MORE BECAUSE i FEEL ALOT MORE OPEN UP THERE THEN WHEN I WENT TO THE DOCTOR IT IS JUST i HAVE BEEN HAVING PAIN EVERYDAY N I NO IT IS THE START OF LABOR WRITE ME BACK IF U CAN
hi. i am 28 weeks pregnant with twins. at my ob appt yesterday i was dilated one centimeter. i am nervous. this is my third pregnancy and my doctor says she doesn’t think i am in preterm labor. she said to take it easy at home. i am having some braxton hix every now and then, nothing regular. is it normal to be dilated one already or does this mean i will probably deliver early? she said my cervix was still nice and long.
Guinever,
My LPM was 0n 20th of December 2006 and my cycle is almost 28-30 days.By date 17th of July I measured 29weeks+of gestation.On 31 July I measured 30 weeks.Is this a problem?And my due date is 1 Oct 2007 but I’ll have a C-section so it will be on 17 th of September.
This is my second pregnancy, I have a daughter which is six year old and she’s born at 42 weeks by forceps.
But I cant stay on my feet because I feel too tired, it doesn’t happen all the days.Why does this happen?I also noticed that when i walk around for some hours i have a lot of vaginal discharges, and usually they become darker then normally. Is this a problem?
Does this mean that I should have extra rest?(I’m not having sex for a lot period of time 4months since my husband is not here, and no internal examinations).
Thank you Albina.
hi im 7mths pregnant soon to be 8 next week and since i was 5 and a half months i was having lower back pains and couldnt hardly walk. i went to the doctor but he told me it was normal. but i feel its not. now that im 7 mnths i still have the pain when i walk and when im layin down i cant hardly get up at times. i get alot of pressure on my stomach and my stomach get very hard at times and i get very tired for no reason at all. what should i do should i see another doctor for a second opinion or is it normal for me to feel this way?
Can you still have sex if you have begun to dilate? 1 or 2 centimeters?
hi I am 36 weeks pregnant with my 3rd child and I am 3 centimeters dialated. How long do you think it will take for labor to begin?
Hi. I am supposedly 36 weeks, 5 days today. I say supposedly because this is exactly how far along I was with my first son when he was born. After he came, my midwife told me he was full-term. My husband and I just make small babies.
Anyway - yesterday I saw my midwife and asked her to check my cervix, as two nights before my baby dropped and I felt him hit my cervix a couple times. The next morning I had a little bloody show.
She checked me and said I was 4-5cm dilated, 80% effaced, and that the baby was at Station 0. This is exactly how things progressed with my first son 7.5 years ago. With one difference - when I was checked at this stage with my first son and she found I was 5cm dilated, she sent me in to the hospital. Nothing happened that night, so she broke my water the next morning at 10:30 and he was born at 3:30. This time, I was told to wait and see.
So, my question is: how long do you think it may be before this one enters the world? I can tell I’m having contractions, and they are not just BH, but they are so mild I can’t really time them. With my first son I didn’t even feel my contractions until after she broke my water.
I figure it won’t be too long now, but just wanted your opinion. Thanks.
Hi Guinever,
Thank you for such a great web site. I am 38 weeks pregnant with my first child. My internal exam at 37.5 weeks revealed that the baby’s head is engaged and my cervix has rotated/tilted into the proper position for childbirth; no dilation yet. I’ve had a few labor-like contractions in the past week, some before the exam, and painless Braxton Hicks contractions for a long time before that. During the past two weeks, the baby’s head has occasionally felt like it’s about to come out of my cervix — a localized pressure that lasts about 10 minutes at a time and makes me walk funny! Last night I woke up with intense period-like cramps; this morning I had a stomach ache (but was still hungry — strange.) This morning I’ve had lots of brown-tinged mucusy discharge, but only on toilet tissue, not pantiliners. I’d love any feedback you might offer. We realize there’s no way to anticipate the timing with certainty, but this is all so new to us and your thoughts would be much appreciated. When I talked to my husband and mentioned the above, he wanted to come home from work immediately. I told him it still could be days or weeks! He was surprised to hear this — and like any soon-to-be-first-time-dad, remains a bit nervous about making sure he’s present for the real thing! Anyway, thanks in advance for your comments and please keep up the good and valuable work.
Hello,
I’m almost 28 weeks pregnant and just checked my cervix (out of curiousity) and it’s very soft. I was tracking my temp and cervical changes prior to getting pregnant and I’ve never felt it this soft. I have been having a few BH’s a day (nothing abnormal) and otherwise feel great. I have a midwifery appt next week, but am wondering if I should call them before then or if there’s no cause for concern. Thanks.
Well, I suppose I’ll just have to wait and see. I’m thinking it should be any day now!
I am 37 weeks and haven’t started to dialate. Is there anything i can do to move this process along?
I’m almost 38 weeks, 1 cm dilated and 80% effaced as my appt on Tuesday 7/31. Last Tuesday I was 1 cm and 50% effaced so the effacement has progressed some. I have a lot of lower abdominal cramping, like I’m going to start my period and back aches and I’m miserable. The doctor said he thinks I’ll make it to my next appt, 8/7, seeing me only lasting another week tops. My first child was 10 days early (due 7/14 had her 7/4). I’m due 8/18 with this one. Do I have a pretty good chance of going into labor soon? I’m also having a lot of thin discharge, cloudy white.
Hi Guinever,
Just an update: I lost my mucus plug last night, and have been experiencing irregular contractions, loose stools, and lots of downward cervical pressure. You may remember from my earlier e-mail that the baby’s head had engaged. This morning my OB says that my cervix (which had already rotated into the proper position) has begun to ripen and I’m now in prodromal labor. He suspects I’ll be able to keep my Monday morning appointment with him, but says it’s all hard to say and the baby could be here this weekend. So things are very exciting! I’m in my 39th week. Thanks again for helping so many people!
I’m 38 weeks pregnant and 4 days. I wanted to know if you can feel your cervix dialating, because when I pee sometimes I see something that looks kinda like spit in the toilet…I’m guessing some of my mucas plug but I’m not sure. ..if there’s anything you can tell my that would be great because my doctors not helping me at all.
I am 38 weeks pregnant and when I went to the doctor on Thursday I was 2 centimetes dilated, 50% effaced, and the baby was at a -2 station. The doctor asked if I was having any contractions, but I am unsure. From what I remember of my first baby, they ease on and ease off. This time it is just a minute or two of cramping and pressure really low in my pelvis. It doesn’t seem to start at the top of my uterus and radiate down. What does this mean? Also, I have been having a small amount of brownish discharge. Do you think I will make it to my next appt. on Tues? Or could it be sooner?
I’m going completely insane!! I will be 39 weeks on tuesday. Last Tuesday i went to the hospital because i was contracting every three minutes. The contractions dilated me to 3 and i was 80% effaced, then it all stopped. I have continued to have pains since then and nothing will put me into labor. I did castor oil, and I have been walking every night. I don’t know what else i can do? I was also wondering what the chances are that my doctor would induce me soon? I am not sleeping and I am in a lot of pain. I’m not really sure what to do with myself right now, help!
I am full term and have been checking my cervix for a couple of weeks. It has been about 2cm dilated. This is my 7th child. I noticed today that my cervix feels flatter than usual. (no lip) what does this mean? I have been having lots of contractions, cramps, and diarreah for two days.
I am 40 wks pregnant and on my last check-up 2 days ago I was 3cms dilated. 2 days previous to this I was 1.5cms dilated. On both occasions I was told I would deliver in 48hrs but I haven’t really had contractions that are very distinct or that I can time. I now have a sore back all the time and someone suggested it was back contractions. How long should it be before I fully dilate and what if I don’t feel the contractions they say I should be feeling?
Apart from being dilated what else do I need to expect? Are the back pains significant? A nurse has told me, even though they want to admit me they will prob use Pitocin if I don’t feel contractions soon and they will also opt for an episiotomy as it is routine for first time pregnancies in the country I am living in (they are very dated with their ideologies of natural birth). I do not want to use any of these options if possible and therefore I need to stay at home as long as poss. As I have been dilating slowly does that mean that I could dilate all the way into transition stage without feeling big contractions? If so, how would I know when I should leave for the hosp (it is a 4 min drive away)? Thanks for all your help.
I wouldn’t categorize a whole country as been dated for natural birth–it usually varies from one practitioner to another. Some doctors think it is necessary to do an episiotomy on all first-time moms, whereas, other doctors would evaluate each women’s situation as it arises and maybe only do the cut 5-10% of the time when they feel it is necessary. Please remember that you, the women, the patient, the consumer, the customer, can say no to any procedure or drug. But with saying that, I also encourage women to educate themselves, to understand procedures and interventions before refusing them because sometimes they’re necessary. Hope this makes sense. If you wait until you strong contractions before going to the hospital, you won’t be needing the pitocin. Let me know how it goes, Guinever
Just an update,
I went to the doctor today, I am 38 weeks and 3 days. I am 3 cm dilated and 70% effaced. My cervix is still posterior, but the baby is head down and -2. My blood pressure has been slightly elevated the last 2 weeks and the doctor thinks the baby weighs around 7 pounds. He is also concerned that I could need a c-section because I have a small pelvis. All this in account we are inducing labor Thurs morning. Do you think it could be a long labor? Or could it be pretty quick given I am already 3 cm and this is my second child? Thanks for all of your help Christina
I went to the doctor today im 39 1/2 weeks, and 1 cm dialated. i don’t think i passed the plug and havent had a contraction my due date is in 4 days and im so miserable. i dont sleep, can’t hardley walk at times and always in some sort of pain. What can i do to help get things going here? i’m very small and scared my baby will get to big for me to push out and they’ll force a c section on me. any advise?
I’m 38 weeks and just had a doctors appt the other day. She told me that I was 1 cm dilated. This is my first child, is it normal to be dilated this early. How will I know when I lost my mucus plug? Oh and where I live isn’t where I’m having my baby. Its about an hour and a half away to 4 hours (depending on traffic), I was wondering if you think you know when I should go and stay there…like in a hotel? Thanks!
My early sonogram said my EDD is Sept 9- My 19 week sonogram said Sept 20th- Which is considered more accurate -the earlier or later one?
I am 35 weeks (according to the earlier estimate) and having brown tinged bloody show- Does this mean I will be going into labor soon? I am feeling more naseaus the past two days and have had slight headaches similar to how I felt in my first trimester. Is this a sign of impending labor I wonder?
And an inquiry about taking a castor oil cocktail at 37 weeks….what if my EDD is off by 2 weeks? Won’t my body just reject the castor oil affect if it’s not ready for labor or do I put my baby in jeopardy by possibly going earlier? Not really sure I am brave enough to go this route- what are your thoughts?
Hi, i just spent 2 days in hospital and finally discharged myself cause i was getting fed up. I went in with what felt like contractions about 10 mins apart. They examined me and said i was 1 cm dialated and -3 station. They didn’t say anything about effaced. Then i had a few stronger more painful contraction feelings and they examined me again and i am still only 1cm dialated but baby is now -2 station and midwife wrote past or post effaced (i think thats what it says). This is my second child but first one was c section and i never went into labour at all as she was breech. I am still getting tightenings and pain but not as regular as they were. Please can you give me any answers or any insight as to when you think i will go established labour… Thankyou.
Hi, i have just turned 36 weeks and my EDD is Sept.3. I went to the dr. today and she said that i am not even dilated, or effacement hasn’t even started either. This is my third child, my 1st child came 2 weeks late-long labor she weighed 7lbs 6oz, my 2nd one was 1 week late and i had to be induced-water broke at 3:30pm had her at 11:40pm that nite so 8 hrs isn’t bad she was
8lbs 2oz. I did alot of walking in the beginning of this pregnancy but now its a little bit harder to walk, my back starts to hurt. I have seen articles that talk about having a lot of sex to start the labor, would that also help me? Is there any way to get the effacement and dialation going? I don’t want to be induced with this baby and i’m afraid that i might so i want to try anything to make it go naturally. I don’t feel any contractions either but the baby is in the face down position. I heard that since this is my 3rd baby that labor might be less than the 2nd one, i hope so kinda. This will be my 1st boy too and the dr said that everything seems fine, my husband seems to think that since my 2nd was 8lbs that he will be bigger-but i hope not that big. I just want this baby out soon and i want to speed things up a little, some of the questions on here the women are already dilated. And i don’t even know how to check to see if i am dilated let alone know how to find the cervix. So any advice would be helpful. Thank-you
Do not worry. Don’t think you have to check yourself. Most women don’t. Frankly, I don’t know anyone personally who does except a couple nurses…Again, just relax and enjoy the rest of your pregnancy. You’re right, walking, having sex are beneficial and will help to efface and dilate the cervix. ~Blessings, Guinever
Hi, you mentioned walking and having sex to get labor going and to have the cervix start dialating. Are these the only methods to get the cervix to dialate or are there others? I would of course, check with my OB first before trying, but she and I discussed trying it in the next few weeks maybe and I was just curious what it would involve. I am pg with twins. Thanks!
i am 36 weeks and 5 days i have lost my plug am 1cm dilated have been having contractions 7 minutes apart for 4 days i have went to the hospital on 2 occasions last one being yesterday they made me walk around for 1 hour the pain was unbearable while walking but i had no change in dilation….so they sent me home and told me to walk and come back when contractions where 4 to 5 minutes apart for 2 hours and they had to be as painful as when i was walking all the time…i have been having pre term labor since march i have also spent 2 days in the hospital 3 weeks ago for pre term….they say they will not stop it this time but it does not seem to be going anywhere….what can i do i am in so much pain my whole stomach my pelvis and in my lower back. i have been walking….was thinking about the castor oil….any help would be appreciated.
I’m 33 weeks 4 days with my 2nd son and today have been having watery leakage. It smells like salt water. I have also had some pretty bad cervical pain all day although it comes and goes. . .should I go in or not? I had watery leakage like this last week and it hasn’t gone away but when I went in last week they said it was probably just normal vaginal secretions. But also last week it had no smell and now it smells salty. What should I do? My last baby came 6 weeks early and I only had 10 weeks between his birth and this pregnancy so my dr. says I’m at higher risk for preterm birth this time. I just don’t want to go to the hospital and be told it’s nothing and be made to feel like an idiot but don’t want to put my baby at risk, either.
I am 25 weeks pregnant with my fourth child. I went to the Dr because I was feeling a lot of pressure in my vagina. She said my cervix was soft and I was a finger tip dialated. I had an internal ultrasound that said my cervix was 3.5, which compares to 3.7 2 1/2 weeks ago. I am on bed rest and scared. The Dr said that shortening of the cervix is normal as pregnancy continues. But at .1 per week? At that rate I would be at 2.2 by 36 weeks. Does this sound right? I didn’t mention that my 3rd child was born at 36.5 weeks when she kicked and broke my water.
hey I know I haven’t written in a little bit. On Tuesday, they are inducing me because I’m not dialated at all. I’m going into the hospital at 7:30 in the morning. About how long can it take?
ok I forgot to tell u im 42 weeks does that matter I have a doctors app tomorrow morning do you think she will give me anything to soften my cervix being i’m getting induced on tuesday morning
Hi~ I am 30 weeks and have been on weekly progesterone shots for 8 weeks because I had preterm labor at 33.8 weeks which ultimately resulted in a preterm delivery at 36.8 weeks due to SROM with my last baby. I went in last week for my checkup and mentioned the contractions I had been having over the weekend. My dr. did an exam (no effacing or dilation). She said she wanted to examine me when I received my next shot which was today. When she examined me, she said my cervix was 50% effaced and it felt like my cervix was closed, but wanted to examine me again next week when I get my weekly shot. Also, I have to start taking albuterol to keep the contractions at bay for now. My question is…how concerned should I be that I am 50% effaced and experiencing contractions considering my previous preterm labor and preterm delivery history?
Hi there,just thought I’d give you an update. I went into labour on friday morning. I started having contractions at 6am. At 8 I went to the hospital and was 6-7cms dilated by then. It was a long day as I had strong contractions throughout until 6:10 when I became fully dilated and had a little girl at 7:10. I wrote out a birth plan and as per your advice I asked them to ask my consent for anything. They obliged although they thought it ver y strange as people here do not do those sort of things. I did end up having 2 sedatives as my contractions were 4 mins apart approx for a long time and although they didnt make the pain less they did help me relax in between. I also had a very small episiotomy as I was having difficulty pushing the baby’s head out but that may have been because I was pushing incorrectly for a while. I am glad its all over to be honest…but I am also glad that I was informed before I went. A birth plan is an excellent to guide those around you to what you would like. Thanks for all your help and this room was a great source. Lastly, my episiotomy - I tried looking at my stitches (using a mirror) but I couldn’t see any. Also how long is the healing process where I can sit normally again?
Guinever~ I had my appt. today I am pregnant with twins in my 34th week and they said my cervix is soft. What does that mean to have a soft cervix?
I’m due Sept 2nd…It’s my second pregnancy. I’ve been 1 cm dilated for 3 weeks. With my first, I lost my mucus plug and 2 days later my water broke. Is it typical to have less mucus loss with second pregnancies. Or will loss of mucus NOT be a benchmark I can depend on?
Guinever,
I wanted to let you know that I went into labor on Tuesday, August 7, and delivered our son on August 8! The process was approximately 15 hours long, and involved no pain medication of any kind. The experience exceeded our expectations. Our precious boy is healthy and happy. Thanks again for your help in figuring things out during my prodromal labor process.
hello,
I’m 30 weeks pregnant and my cervix is 60% softened? Is this normal? what should i do about this and if i go in to early labor will the baby be alright? thank you
Hi Guinever,
Am 36 weeks and 5 days. My doc told me am -3 station, no dilation and 30% effaced. The issue is that the baby is already 8pds 5 oz (based on ultrasound). Am concerned about going full term because the baby could get to 10 or 11pds. My question is - is there anything i can do to slow down my baby’s growth? Also, how seriously should I look into early inductions. Am really nervous about the baby getting so baby. Does such a large weight lead to obesity later in life?
I went to the drs. the other day and she said i was about 1 cm dialated. But she also told me that i came back positive for the Group B Strep and that i would need antibiotics when i am in labor. Well now i am kinda scared cause my last 2 i was negative on that test and my boyfriend thinks that i went out and cheated on him cause i have that and he doesn’t want to catch anything but i told him he can’t and that i never slept with anyone that some woman carry this bacteria but he don’t believe me. Any suggestions to tell him? And she scheduled an induction for Sept. 10th if i haven’t had him yet. But now i have to go out of town for a gathering and what if i go into labor then? Would i have to tell them about the Group B? And i know that no hospital can refuse someone, i don’t think if i was in active labor that would tell me to drive to my own hospital. In a way i kinda want to deliver out of town, they seem to have better hospital i heard–LOL.
Thx for your response. I don’t have gestational diabetes or diabetes of any kind. If the baby gets to 9-10lbs at 39 wks, would you advise doing an elective c section? Are there any serious risks involved in doing that?
I had an ultrasound done to make sure everything is going ok. After that i saw the doctor and he said that the ultrasound showed that my cervix was thinning so he did a vaginal exam and told me that it 60%. All he told me to stay off my feet as much as i can and he will see me in 3 weeks.
Due September 2nd, still dilated 1 cm, by my Dr.’s finger. Last night, for a couple hours, I had lots of irregular contractions…some lasting over a minute and some not. They seemed much different than regular BH contractions. My belly was REALLY “peaked” and the pressure was pretty intense. Baby was very active throughout, and head was a whole lot lower than ever before! Discomfort was bad. Only position, comfortable was just standing. I squatted with each contraction. I got pretty tired after a couple hours of this…so I laid down and ended up going to sleep. Woke up a lot to pee, and I slept through some more contractions. Now this morning. baby is higher again! UGGGG….What now? I’m just tired and frustrated and want my baby in my arms instead of knocking at my “door”!
Guinever,
I have a question in regards to your fifth baby delivery…u mentioned that around 5:30 or so early labour started, was it just out of the blue, or did u have any signs earlier in the day? Im 4 plus dilated, and duedate is today. I have been feeling crampy and my pelvic area is constant aches….just curious as to how u felt earlier in the day before u knew labour had commenced for sure.
Hello!
I am pregnant with my third child and am 2 days away from my estimated delivery date (8/22). I have had really bad contractions for the last 4 days, but they only come on from 1:30am to about 6:00am. On sunday I had then all morning until about 2:00pm. They were about 5 minutes apart and suddenly they went away. It started again this morning, but nothing else has happened. My question is if I go past the 22nd how soon after is it safe to induce. Is there anything I can do to try and get the show on the way?
Thanks!
I didn’t know where to post this question. Anyways i need to ask this to ease my boyfriends mind. I am 38 weeks, i am due sept.3 if baby don’t come by that date then i will be induced on the 10th and i tested positive for the Group B Strep, so i have started to walk and my boyfriend gets so mad at me saying that if i go into labor or my water breaks and he doesn’t get there in time and misses this birth then he will be very upset. He lives like an hour away from me. I told him that even if my water breaks or i start to have contractions that the baby isn’t gonna slide right out. I could only be 2 or 4 cm dilated. Plus from what i was told that when i go into labor they have to start me on the antibiotics for the Group B Strep, so does that mean right when i start to have contractions or when the contractions are like 5-10 mins apart? With my 2nd child i was induced at 8:00am, water broke at 3:30pm, had her at 11:30pm, so he seems to think that this one will be alot faster.
I am 38 weeks pregnant with my second child. I just went to the hospital thinking I was in labor only to find out I had a UTI. I have been on med’s for 4 days and my back still hurts and I’m still having painful contractions. They are not as close as they were but I am still worried I thought the med’s would help by now. I’m 1 cm dilated and at 0 station. Do I need to call my doctor?
Hi
I am 34 1/2 weeks pregnant with my first child. I have been put on complete bedrest for two weeks because I am 100 % effaced, and 2cm dilated. Does this mean that I will have the baby sooner than my due date which is 9/30? I go for non-stress tests every week, and according the the test I am having contractions, but I do not feel anything. One day I felt like I was going to start my period, but that was 5 days ago, and I haven’t felt like that since. They also did an internal ultrasound because the baby’s head is so far down that they couldn’t measure it on a regular ultrasound. Would the baby be mature enough if delivered now?
Guinever,
I have a question to ask of you about the kohoshes…I have here a bottle of the black kohosh, I am wondering if it is necessary to use both black and blue, I couldnt seem to find the blue unless i need to look for it under its homeopathic name of course. Would it be of any danger to only use the black?
Hi I am 30 weeks pregnant on my fourth child. I lost my mucus plug 4 days ago I now have a lot of pressure down below. I have already had two children at 35 weeks. Does this mean i will go early?
how do you speed up labor? i am 2cm. and 40 weeks heeeeeelp
Is it safe to have a VBAC ten-eleven months after having a c-section (low, horizontal incision)? I am 35 and a half weeks and dilated 3, and I can’t feel my contractions because I have back labor. My dr. was planning on a repeat c-section for this one, but told me if I’m dilated over 6 I will have an attempted VBAC. I would LOVE to have this baby naturally but am wondering if my short time between births increases my risk of complications with a VBAC.
Hi Guinever,
I just lost my mucous plug last night and I have read one of its functions is to prevent infections. I have tested positive for Strep B. Should I go to the hospital now?
My doctor has never used the term stations in regards to my baby. But is it possible for the baby to be resting on the cervix even if the cervix is still a little high? All I know is that I am dilated to 4cm, very soft, cervix is still high, and that my bag of waters is pressed right up to the cervix. The only reason i am concerned is because of induction occurring if she doesn’t come on her own in the next week, and I worry if she’s high up that her cord may prolapse as did happen with my first daughter.
Hi, I will be 34 weeks tomorrow. This morning I woke up to very intense pain on the upper right side of my abdomen. The pain has decreased and is not constant, but it come back off and on. I would also like to add that the area were the pain is– is very tender to touch!
Thank you so much, and yes u have helped to put my mind at ease. I am trying to sit around on my labour ball, and remain upright as much as I can to assist her in dropping down. With my first one, I was induced, and waters were broken it was a HUGE nightmare ending in emergency c-section, that’s why I have so many concerns. I have done a lot more research since my first….I am not a fan of induction by drug myself. I even switched hospitals and doctors after my first child. They didn’t offer a membrane sweep or anything for my first. And I was 2 cm dilated….they just went straight to pitocin. With my others a membrane strip was done and labour commenced within 48 hours. We did try it with this one, but no luck this time. Although he said my cervix was high, and it may not have been a full sweep. She’ll come I know she will…lol. I will let you know! Thanks so much for your positive feedback.
hi I am 33wks and 3 days with twins. At my appointment today i was 90 effaced and 0 diliated. i am also five foot one. do you think i will have them soon
I met with a different doctor in my doc’s practice today as I have to meet them all throughout my pregnancy. She was very nice, but I have a couple of concerns. I had been having and have posted about brown discharge on my pantyliners after I have been up and around walking, moving, etc. quite a bit. I’ve been to the doctors twice about this. Both times they told me to take it easy - my placenta was low lying at first. Today, I went in and met with the doctor and not the nurse practitioner and she told me that discharge that sits until the end of the day will turn brown and there is nothing to worry about. She also told me that my placenta is not lying low over my cervix anymore. She did check me internally anyway to be sure and make me feel more comfortable. She found no blood, only normal pregnancy discharge, etc. She then felt my cervix and said that part of it felt just a tad bit soft, but everything else felt completely firm and as it should be. She told me she didn’t see any reason to worry. She then asked if DH and I had been having intercourse and I said no because we’ve been worried. She said, “Well, you might not want to either just to be safe.” So, at first was so relieved b/c she said everything was normal, h/b was good, no bleeding, just normal discharge, etc. But, now that I’m home and analyzing it of course, I have started to worry about the cervix thing and the no sex thing. I am only b/w 21-22 weeks (21 according to me, and 22 according to them), so I am nervous. I also had a missed m/c with my last/first pregnancy. Please be honest - am I just overreacting? Do you think all is well? I know your cervix does start to soften a bit as you get closer to labor, but how early is that? I still have a ways to go…
Sorry so long - please help!
Thanks,
Michelle
Hi Guinever:
I am 36 weeks pregnant with my first child and just had my exam this morning. I have not had any contractions, just some round ligament pain and pressure bearing down. After my internal exam, the midwife said that I was 2 cm dilated already and she recommended that I take it easy this week.
However, is this normal? Should I worry about going into labor soon?
I am 33 1/2 weeks pregnant and my EDD is October 16th, This is my third baby. My first came at 36 weeks my second came really early between 33 and 34 weeks. I had some very strong pains this week and when I went for my OB appt she checked me and said I was 1 centimeter dilated. However, I am not yet effacing. Since then I have had more BH with more pain and tons of pressure in my lower pelvis and back. I am not wanting to have another preemie, my second only wieghed 4lb. 4oz but lungs were fully developed and did not have to stay in the NICU. What should I do, I also work full time and am on my feet all day in sales. Any ideas would be helpful. I know the baby has dropped because a couple weeks ago I was measuring larger then gestational age and now I am measuring smaller and my belly has gone from higher to lower. HELP ME.
I am 39 wks and 3 days, and I went to the doctor the doctor last week, because I thought I had a bladder infection. Everything was fine. I had to see a different doctor, and the doctor that checked me said I was 2 centimeters dilated. I had an appointment later in the week with yet a different doctor, and he said I wasn’t dilated at all. I went to the doctor a few days ago, because I was having a lot of pain. The doctor I saw said I still wasn’t dilated. I had my regular appointment yesterday, and the doctor who checked me said I was 3cm dilated. I am having contractions, so I am very confused about this. Is it normal for different doctors to have a different idea of how much the cervix is dilated?
i am 41 weeks pregnant i am 2 to 3 centimeters dilated and 50% effaced and my baby is at 0 stage what does this mean and can i take castor oil to make me go into labor?
Hi,
im 29 1/2 weeks pregnant and i went into emergency for a really bad headache and they said i was having contractions 15 minutes apart but i didn’t feel any of them, then when they checked to see if i was dilated they said i was 1/4 of a CM and they sent me home after a few hours. Today i went to my DR and she said i’m not dilated at all but my cervix is softening…this is my first child and i don’t understand how one day i’m dilated and the next i’m not????
i went to the doctor today and he said my cervix is at 70% and i was dilated to a tip and half -2 what does -2 mean?
The doctor says now that I am 2 centimeters dilated and my cervix is starting to thin. I am curious if you could tell me being that I am now 34 weeks along with a history of early babies, how long it may take once dilated to 2. I want to keep baby in as long as I can, but I am having a lot of pain in my tailbone area and pelvic pressure, the babies head is very low also. What should I do and what should I expect, am in sales and work on my feet all day. Please help
I am 36.5 weeks pregnant and at my appointment yesterday had an exam because I’ve been passing mucus (clear, though) and having contractions. My doctor told me I’m 1-2cm dilated, 80% effaced, and that baby is at 0 station. I’ve been having constant, dull cramps in my upper abdomen for the past couple days, too.
In my previous pregnancies, I’ve gone anywhere from 3-8 days overdue, so I haven’t even started getting things ready around the house for a new baby. I guess my question is if you think I should start preparing because there might be a chance I’ll not go 40+ weeks this time like I’ve been assuming.
I am 34 weeks. To start I have been having horrible back pain, which I didn’t experience with my son, and I fear that my baby is posterior. Can I go to a chiropractor this late (and have them be able to do anything). Also, I know that you can not feel yourself dialating per se, however I have been feeling the surges of pain in my cervical area (if that makes sense) I am having contractions, but nothing is getting longer, stronger, or closer together. I am still working as a food server, though I am not lifting heavy objects I am on my feet and on the go constantly for roughly 4+ hours 5 days a week. Am I pushing myself into a pre-term labor? My son was a very fast labor (although at term) and I don’t want something to happen that I won;t be able to stop in time.
Also, considering my labor was as fast as it was (my water broke at 330pm, I felt my first contraction (but the nurses said I was having them) at 530pm and I started pushing at just before 10pm and he was born at 1153pm.) am I looking at a quicker labor than that, assuming she is not posterior????
Thank you before hand for all your advice!!
Guinever,
A big part of me is dying to get things ready and I have been feeling non-stop as though this baby is going to come any day (definitely not just wishful thinking), but another part of me tells myself that I always go late and that I’ll just get myself worn out and ready for nothing and that getting things ready will only get my hopes up and I shouldn’t bother.
I definitely have been feeling as though I have to have the baby– I’ve had insomnia, contractions, and cramps too much in the past week to not be overwhelmed by the idea of going through a whole month like this. But just because I feel like that doesn’t necessarily mean anything, does it?
Thanks.