effacement and dilation?
I had my 37 week check up today, and he said the baby is low and head down "could be any time," but without knowing anything else, how can he say that?
2006-07-27 08:31:38 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Pregnancy
Thanks everyone!
We don't know what we're having, so names are still in the air...
2006-07-27 08:44:50 · update #1
It's crazy how much they can tell by feeling your stomach.With my first two they examined me all the time,but with my last one,I only had three exams the whole nine mos.At 37 wks though it looks like they would have checked you today.Good luck.
What name do you have picked? Just curious.
2006-07-27 08:36:57 · answer #1 · answered by believer26 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't worry about it... some women dialate and efface before hand... others, like me, don't start until labor really kicks in. As long as baby is head down and in position, that is all that matters right now. And he mentioned the LOW part, usually means with in about 2 weeks....
I'm also due in the next 2-3 weeks... and had LOTS of contractions already, but not dialated at all either. Good luck to you!!!
2006-07-27 15:40:11 · answer #2 · answered by meflute 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have always been checked for the first time at 37 weeks. The reason the doctor says it could be any time, is because the baby usually isn't very low until you're near delivery. A lot of people are scared to ask their doctor's questions or to get the things they want done. But think about it this way, they are getting paid for it. Also they are your best source for answers. Don't be intimidated, make sure you're in control of your visits. If you want to be checked for your own piece of mind tell your doctor this. Or if you want to know why he says it will be anytime then ask him why. It bugs me when I don't feel comfortable with my doctor, because he seems to be in a rush or is very vague...so I'm trying to change this myself.
2006-07-27 16:02:03 · answer #3 · answered by mommyem 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Doctors have been doing this for a while. And a baby usually turns down when he/she is ready to be pushed out. And depending on how low the baby is, they can determine whether or not the baby is ready. Without seeing how far dialated you are, or anything else for that matter.
2006-07-27 15:37:56 · answer #4 · answered by Anayden 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Usually the last couple weeks before you are due, the doc's start looking for dialation. The doc's know. They can know which way the baby's facing and in what direction etc just by touching your belly, you should be able also too, by now. Dont you know when the baby's foot or hand is into your ribs or kicking your bladder?....
Dont worry the Doc's know...
2006-07-27 15:37:22 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The doc probably said that because the baby has shifted into the head down position. That and the fact that you are just 3 weeks from you delivery date.
2006-07-27 15:35:45 · answer #6 · answered by CG234 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
my doc started checking me @ 37 wks. that's how they feel to make sure the baby is head down
2006-07-27 15:35:55 · answer #7 · answered by ok 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Usually at 37 weeks they check for that...you may want to call your doctor's office and ask them what their office guidelines are.
2006-07-27 15:50:54 · answer #8 · answered by Coast2CoastChat.com 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I was 38 weeks when they started to check. I thought that was the standard, but I guess it varies according to your dr. He probably made his statement based on what he felt on the outside of your belly.
2006-07-27 15:39:39 · answer #9 · answered by nicolehope 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋