2006-11-01 10:32:36 · 5 answers · asked by ME 1 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Pregnancy
I am 36 weeks and have a scheduled C Section on the 20th. Will I get that far?
2006-11-01 10:42:35 · update #1
First, you should know the difference between dilatation and effacement. Dilatation refers to the amount of centimeters your cervix has opened; one centimeter is about the size of the tip of your index finger; you must be fully dilated [about 10 centimeters] for your baby to be able to pass through the cervix and into the vaginal canal. Effacement refers to how much your cervix has shortened; 40% is a little less than half. The cervix is about 2-3 inches long when 0% effaced; it would be about 1 1/4 to 1 3/4 inches long at 40% effacement [this is if you've never given birth before]. If this is your first baby, you may still have a couple of weeks left before active labor begins; I was at 1 cm for almost a month for my daughter. If you have given birth before, it may be some days still to go. Usually, your water breaks once you are 4 to 6 centimeters dilated; if it doesn't, your doctor will rupture them artificially to make labor progress faster. This is called an "amniotomy" and is painless both for you and the baby. Best wishes, good luck, and hope that you have a healthy baby and an uncomplicated delivery, and that my advise has been of some help.
P.S. Just now I saw that you are to have a C-section on the 20th. As long as your membranes remain intact and don't experience regular, strong contractions, don't worry. Make sure you keep up your weekly appointments so your doctor can determine if the surgery must be done earlier.
2006-11-01 10:38:43 · answer #1 · answered by la_nena_sabe... 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I was 1cm for a while maybe 2 weeks i went to the hospital on 4 cms and it took 18 hours for me to give birth and they had to pop my water cause it didnt happen on its own good luck best wishes to u
2006-11-01 10:35:59 · answer #2 · answered by Femme Fatale 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You never know. I stayed dilated at 4 cm for a month before I gave birth! Everybody is different.
2006-11-01 10:36:10 · answer #3 · answered by Caelan's mom 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Every woman is different. I was 2cm for two weeks.
Did you take any birthing classes or anything? I mean, now might be too late, but still. You should educate yourself as much as possible. Check out www.babycenter.com.
2006-11-01 10:38:13 · answer #4 · answered by mommyofmegaboo 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
My sis had the doc break the waters. then things really got going! Congrats!
2006-11-01 10:38:54 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋