Hello all. I am currently 35 weeks pregnant and during my exam with the midwife she stated that my cervix is still long and thick, but it is REALLY soft (and she emphasized the really soft part). But she didn't say anything else. Since she stated long and thick I didn't really think anything about the last statement until now. Can anyone tell me what does a soft cervix possibly indicate?
2006-08-07 07:43:00 · 5 answers · asked by MrsGreen 1 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Pregnancy
It means you are right on schedule, congratulations! A soft cervix means that the Braxton Hicks contractions you have probably already been having can start to dilate (open) and efface (thin out) your cervix in preparation for delivery. This usually takes quite a few weeks, so a soft cervix does not mean that delivery is any time soon, just that your body is moving in the right direction. Savor these last few weeks when you get to keep the baby all to yourself. Soon enough, you won't have nearly as good an excuse to not let anyone else hold him or her!
2006-08-07 08:06:58 · answer #1 · answered by Cara B 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your cervix begins to soften in the weeks leading up to labor. For some women the softening and dilation (opening) process begins weeks before delivery and happens very gradually. And for others, the cervix readies very quickly, maybe just within days or hours of labor actually starting.
So a softened cervix does not guarantee labor is very close, but it does mean you are in the home stretch. That could be a week or maybe a few weeks.
Something that actually does happen much closer to labor would be losing your "mucus plug" if you notice it. Some women don't see when it comes out but when it does labor is usually within days.
Best of luck with your pregnancy!
2006-08-07 07:57:04 · answer #2 · answered by Veritas 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your cervix softens tward the end of pregnancy and becomes short. Since it is still long and thick, don't worry, this is all part of the process. I was dialated to 4 for 6 weeks with my last baby and two weeks over due. Everything should be fine.
2006-08-07 07:52:05 · answer #3 · answered by kb 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It just means your body is getting ready. Probably on the next exam she will tell you that it is getting thinner. As it gets thinner, you will open up a little more to prepare for delivery. You might get to 2 centimeters and stay there for a while before actually going into labor. Sounds like you are doing fine.
Good luck and congratulations.
2006-08-07 07:48:16 · answer #4 · answered by shirley_corsini 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It happens near the end of your pregnancy. If your doctor's not worried, then don't be. Your body is just getting ready.
Congratulations!!
2006-08-07 07:49:55 · answer #5 · answered by njyecats 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋