I'm 37 weeks 1 day. This is my first child and she is large. At 35 weeks 5 days, she measured 7 lbs, 7 oz. The gestational age is correct. My husband was out of town for 3 months previous to my estimated conception date, and at 5 weeks 5 days I had an ultrasound to rule out an ectopic pregnancy. It showed a 5 to 6 week embryo.
A week ago Monday, I was 0% effaced. On Monday of this week I was 20% effaced, but not dilated at all. Today, only 3 days later, I was 80% effaced and 1cm dilated. I forgot to ask today, but Monday the doctor said he could feel the baby's head when he did my internal exam.
I don't have any strong contractions, but I have cramping and a mild ache in my back that lasts longer than a contraction.
Has anyone else experienced this, and if so, how long were you like this? I know when I go back in on Monday to have another measurement of the baby, my doctor is going to schedule me to be induced, but I'm wondering if I could go into labor on my own before then
2006-11-02 08:58:57 · 6 answers · asked by tianjingabi 5 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Pregnancy
The doctor is probably going to induce because the baby is so big. If she has continued to grow at the rate she grew the two previous weeks, she will be 9 pounds on Monday. Also, my amniotic fluid is on the high end of normal. In addition, I'm 42 years old. We've done two nonstress tests and they were good. Also, I've had three biophysicals done via ultrasound in the last 4 weeks and all organs look good. I'm not diabetic nor do I have hypertension, but I think the doctor is thinking if the baby is ready and I'm officially full term at 37 weeks, better sooner rather than later.
2006-11-02 09:08:23 · update #1
My baby has been measured using an ultrasound every month since I got pregnant and every week for the last month or so. Starting at about 16 weeks she was larger than gestational age. Starting at about 24 weeks, she was more than 2 weeks larger than gestational age. At 33 weeks 5 days, she measured 6 pounds. Just two weeks later she measured 7.5 pounds, meaning she grew .75 pounds each week. If I go to 40 weeks, at this rate, she will be 10.5 pounds. While this is within normal, it is very large. Also, at my age, and with her size and my excess amniotic fluid, the risk of still birth are higher. I think the doctor is thinking get her while the getting is good and as much as I'd prefer to let nature take its course, I have to say that with each day that passes I think it would be good to have her come now. I don't want to push my luck having come this far with a kicking baby for her to die before I give birth. If the Fetal medicine specialist thinks she's ready, I'm ready to be induced.
2006-11-02 09:18:33 · update #2
Why would your doc schedule an induction? If you and baby are both healthy, why not just wait for your body to go into labor on it's own? A normal pregnancy is anywhere from 38 to 32 weeks. If it were me, I'd insist on a MEDICAL reason for an induction and not accept one just because you are "X" weeks along.
Your stats (how far dilated and effaced you are) really don't mean anything reguarding when you will go into labor. You can walk around for a week or more 100% effaced and 3-4 cm dilated (I did with my first). Or you can go in and be checked, find you're closed up tighter than a bank vault, and still have a baby all on your own in a matter of hours. This is why some midwives don't even do cervical checks until the mom is in labor. (And some don't even do them in labor unless you ask.)
Relax. Trust your body and your baby. They will know when it is time. Labor will be much easier if it comes on it's own instead of being forced on you by induction.
2006-11-02 09:05:36 · answer #1 · answered by momma2mingbu 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
eve n the doctor couldnt guess "when" for you.. could happen in 15 minutes from now and it could take you weeks. Why would the doctor induce at 37 weeks? Mine wouldnt even consider a planned C or induction before 39 weeks. As the mom of a preemie, I'm really not comfortable with that decision. Yes the baby is full term and will likely be fine, but could have Jaundice, feeding issues or even need a little extra oxygen at first.
2006-11-02 17:02:35 · answer #2 · answered by Mina222 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
That happened to me with my first pregnancy...I was about the same as you 37 weeks...80% effaced and 1 cm dilated...that night, I went to the mall and walked my butt off...my water broke 2 days later and I was in labor for 4 hours...
2006-11-02 17:04:16 · answer #3 · answered by Amy B 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can have contractions in your back. its not always stomach pain. i've known several people that had "back" contractions. I would call the doctor if the ache in your back is about every 5-7 minutes to see what they say. You could always go up to the hospital and they will tell you for sure. If you really want to have that baby soon... which i'm sure you do... lol... eat some mexican food.
2006-11-02 17:03:42 · answer #4 · answered by Lori J 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i was dialated for more than a month before i had my first... so you cant go by that. Go by how you feel, if you are in labor... YOU WILL KNOW IT!! lol
2006-11-02 17:17:15 · answer #5 · answered by ben b 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
ur baby can be due any day now
2006-11-02 17:01:52 · answer #6 · answered by jennifertrinitysky 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋