A question about Effacement?

Question

My mother's expecting a baby on November 30. When she went to the doctor last Wednesday, she found that she was 50% effaced but not dialated. I understand effacement and dialation, but how long can we expect to wait before she goes into labor? Thanks for the help!

Answer 1

You can be effaced (thinned) for quite some time, just as you can be dilated for weeks before labor actually begins.

It's really not a definite sign of quickly impending labor. Sounds like she's getting close, but really, these things are so variable there is not way of telling.

Answer 2

Effacement can start as early as a month before the expected delivery date. It's not an accurate indicator of when the birth will actually occur. However if she was dilated the doctor would be able to estimate more easily.

Answer 3

You can never tell how long it will be when you are 50% effaced and not dialated. Everyone is different and their bodies go at their own pace. She could go tomorrow or after her due date!

Answer 4

There is really no way to tell when she will go into labor. I went for three weeks being dilated to 3 cm, but ended up having to be induced. Tell her to walk a lot. If the baby, and her body are ready to go into labor, that will help move it along. Good luck!!!!!

Answer 5

In our lamaze class, one woman said she was 50% effaced and two weeks later, she was at the next class, still carrying her baby. Dilatation is the key, not effacement.

Answer 6

Could be up to 2 wks after her due date.

I was 2 cm on my due date not effaced and I went 10 more days.

Answer 7

it can be weeks before she goes into labor or hours depending on
how your mother acts.

Answer 8

If she isn't dilated at all yet it could be a few more weeks.