I was wondering if anyone knows how far you have to be dilated until you are supposed to go to the hospital??

Question

I went to the doctor Friday and I wasn't dilated but I just would like to know when are you supposed to go. I also wanted to know if anyone knows if you can get a C-section by choice on medicaid...Please help! Thanks :)

Sarah P.
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Answer 1

Stages of Labour
Labour is devided into 3 stages.

Stage 1
The first stage of labour last from the begining of labour until the cervix is fully dilated - 10cm its further devided into the following;

Initial (Lantent) phase
*contractions begin. Each one lasts between 30-60 seconds, coming every 5-20 minutes, they become progressively stronger and more rhythmic over time.
*Pain is minimal.
*The cervix thins and dilates to about 4cm.
*In a first pregnancy this phase usually last an average of 8.5 hours but this varys alot form women to women, pregnancy to pregnancy.

Active phase (time to be heading to hospital if not already there)
*Contractions last between 60-90 seconds and coming every 2-4 minutes.
*The cervix dilates from 4cm to 10cm.
The babys head moves into the pelvis.
*As the baby decends the mother begins to feel the urge to push.
*In a first pregnancy this phase averages around 5 hours.

Transition
This is the period between the first and second stages of labour, which can last anywhere between a few minuets to an hour. Women often decribe it as a "tunnel" they need to go through into the next stage. Transition can seem quite strange: some women feel slightly out of control, while other will become withdrawn and not notice anyone or anything. Some signs of transition are:
* A break in contractions of up to 20-30 minutes,
*feeling pressure in your bottom, due to the baby's head moving down the birth canal,
*An uncontrollable trembling in your legs,
*Feeling hot and/or cold,
*Feeling irritable,
*nausea or drowsiness.

Second stage
Once your cervix has dilated to 10cm you are officually in the second stage of labour. Ready to push.

Normally you can elect for a caesarean but this is at about 36 weeks you advise your doctor of your decision so they can book you in and they will book you in between 38-39 weeks otherwise you would have to be sent for an emergancy caesarean which they normally need a medical reason to send you for an emergancy C-section. Best wishes and I hope this infomation has helped.

Answer 2

normally after a four theyll monitor u pretty close if ur close to ur due date and it may even feel like the baby is gonna fall out but when i was pregnant i was dilated to a 3 for 4 weeks and my baby was born 11days late. a good doctor will give u the choice in all the decisions made but dont be scared just make sure u mentally prepare for any possible scenario. labor pains arent that bad i promise and neither is a c section cuz i had one and was up walking the next day. it heals fast the scar is low and the pain is minimal u just have to take it slow at first and have someone with u at the hospital the only draw back was that the first day i was so drugged up that i called all the same people the 2nd day to tell them i had the baby.

Answer 3

I was dilated to 3 cm for weeks before my daughter was born... dilation really doesn't mean a thing until you get to about 5 cm. It really isnt' the dilation status that means you should go to the hospital- you should go if your contractions are 5 minutes apart, if your water breaks, if you are in a car accident, or (in my daughter's case) your doc sends you because the baby is 2 weeks late! As for the C-section info... ask your doctor- someone at their office will know this- probably billing.

Answer 4

Only a Doc can tell you how far dilated you are Hun. But go to the hospital when your contractions are 5 min apart and lasting anywhere from 1 min or longer, your water breaks, or you start bleeding. as for the C-section you can request one no matter what medical plan you are on. Some doctors will respect your request some will try and talk you out of it. But I suggest you try a vaginal birth they are much easier on your body and much easier to recover from. a C-section is major surgery they cut through your muscles and coming home from the hospital and trying to take care of a new baby after major surgery is very hard, coming home after a vag birth and taking care of a child is a much easier and you recover so much faster. but remember it is your choice. what ever you want to do it is your body :)

Good luck! I wish you a happy healthy baby.

Answer 5

It depends on the doctor, I think. Because I have 4 kids. With some of my kids the doctor said 5 centimeters, but with most the doctor said 8. I wouldn't recommend getting a C-section if you don't have to. The recovery is so much harder, honey. Plus you'll have that scar to live with. The natural birthing process isn't as scary or painful as you may think...

Answer 6

well you can't really tell how far dilated you are yourself you just have to time contractions but if you are planning a c-section you don't want to wait that long also you can get a c-section by choice on medicaid but you should plan it with your doc....you wouldn't want to end having an emergency c-section

Answer 7

WHEN the DOCTOR checks you I think they will keep you at 5 cm or something like that. And why would you want a C-section by choice?

Answer 8

On Medicade it's the Dr.'s call. I always went when my labor pains were starting. My first baby came fast..3 hrs. So, with the 2nd they told me to get there ASAP and she was as stubborn than as she was as a child and took a good 24 hrs. They literally pushed her out. Good luck.

Answer 9

u cant tell yourself if you are dilated or not; only a Dr.
i believe u have to have the baby natural unless the Dr. thinks that there is a risk.

Answer 10

i am dialated to threeand was due 4 days ago and they still wont take me you have to wait until you have pains or your water breaks good luck