Two weeks ago, I was dilated to 3 cm, 80% effaced. Last week, still dilated to 3, but 90% effaced. This week, dilated to 4 cm, 90% effaced. Doc said effacement percentage won't change until I'm in labor. I had loose stools all day yesterday. I either lost or am losing mucus plug this morning. No real contractions at all whatsoever. Just feels like menstrual cramping, nothing intense or painful. I'm not miserable or uncomfortable, just ready to meet my little one.....should I be expecting labor soon???
2006-11-15 03:21:56 · 15 answers · asked by sarah b 1 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Pregnancy
I am on my third child. Let's see... first off I would say to call your dr or nurses advice line to see if they would like you to come in to be checked.
With my first I was similar to you. about 80-90% effaced and about 4-5 centimeters dialated early. (with my current pregnancy I am 50% effaced and about 3 centimeters dialated and I am 36 weeks.)
With my first I actually did loose my mucas plug. Mine was discharge with streaks of blood. (very small streaks) That happened on a Saturday morning. I was fine the whole day. By Saturday night, I started feeling those menstral like cramps, but being my first I wasn't sure... so we went up to the hosp. The following day (Sunday) was Mother's Day and the nurses didn't think I was going into labor, so believe it or not gave me a sleeping pill and sent me home. 2 hours after coming home my water broke!!! Then OMG the contractions came immediately! We raced to the hosp. and my son was born a few hours later. Yup on Mother's Day (which happened to be his due date) And lol... as far as the sleeping pill.. I was on such a adreniline rush from the labor as well as meeting my perfect little angel, that it never really seemed to have an effect.
Although I have also been told labor can begin anytime after losing mucas plug, up to even 2 weeks later. (although that hasn't been my experiences)
With my second son, I was also quite a bit effaced and about 5 centimeters dialated since about 33 weeks. He was actually 2 weeks LATE!! ARG! lol. I never lost the mucas plug with him and my water also never broke with him, but went into labor the very day they were gonna induce. I was about 9 centimeters dialated and they finally popped my bag of waters.
So far with my current pregnancy, I have been having mucas lately but no plug yet. Contractions alot, but mostly braxton hicks cause they are irregular, and she seems to go wild right afterwards. I am much more at ease with this one though.
My advice is definately to run it by your doctor or nurse's advice line. How exciting!! Congradulations!! Enjoy your little one!
2006-11-15 03:38:13 · answer #1 · answered by Just me 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It can be any day. I was dilated 3 cm and 60% effaced and had cramps like that which i thought i was just having braxton hicks. I went into my doctors office on my 36 week exam and felt a trickle go down my leg. Yep, my water broke. They checked me into a room but no dilation change or i was not effaced anymore. What i thought was braxton hicks were real contractions so they had to induce me. 14 hours later i was pushing but ended up having to have a C. You can never tell when the moment will happen and it seems like you will never get there. Yes you should be expecting labor soon because you are at 38 weeks, so just be prepared at any moment because you could be like me and be in labor and not even know it. It is so exciting, you make me want to have another one. Congrats!
2006-11-15 11:41:30 · answer #2 · answered by micah z 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you are what is known as the "phase 1" labor. The cramping your feeling is the beginnings of it. It can take a few days to a few hours for phase 2 or active phase(pain is more noticiable). You should start timing your contractions (cramps) when they get about 3-5 min. apart call your doctor or go to the hospital if your water breaks. If you should start to have bright red bleeding go to the hospital right away. Otherwise relax, sleep, eat, and get ready for the rest of what will be an incrediable experience. Hope this helps! good luck.
Tisha,LPN
2006-11-15 11:30:47 · answer #3 · answered by Tisha 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i would say yes, anytime. You are already at 4 thats really good, i would say it can happen any moment, so be prepared, If you start having contractions count on seeing your baby! Even if the contractions arent strong and things like that they do get stronger, So make sure you are ready to go when the time comes!! And having loose stools. Ive heard that as being a sign of labor making its appearence!!! Your body and your baby will let you know when its time to head to the hos!!! GOODLUCK and CONGRATS!!!!!!!!!
2006-11-15 11:24:53 · answer #4 · answered by jess_n_flip 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is likely to happen in the next day or two, walk, walk, walk. It will help with dilation and labour. I lost my plug and the doctor said it would be a few days before I started labour, I saw her the next morning when she started her hospital rounds at 7 am... already pushing.
2006-11-15 11:28:30 · answer #5 · answered by lollipops_69licks 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
my first pregnancy i lost my plug and didn't have to go to the hospital for over 24 hours, i just had minor cramping as well. my second, i lost the plug and was at the hospital 2 hours later! congrats, you're probably already at the hospital right now :) oh the loose stools is a give away too, its your body cleaning out in prep for labor....
2006-11-15 11:38:14 · answer #6 · answered by advicemom 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
as soon as you are 4 cm you are considered as in labor, that doesn't mean you are active but as soon as sharp contractions begin or water breaks you should head for the hospital. Good luck. and congrats on your new baby.
2006-11-15 11:35:24 · answer #7 · answered by Maria Felix 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like labor is coming soon. However, a lot of those symptoms can happen early on. Check www.babycenter.com. They have a section on pregnancy that helped me a bunch.
2006-11-15 11:23:57 · answer #8 · answered by Minuet 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
yes, congratulations you're in the first stages of labour. just carry on as normal and when contractions start or you are in a lot of discomfort go to the hospital.
go pack your hospital bag because it could happen at any moment, quite common to go into labour in the middle of the night so always be prepared!
congratulations again, and best of luck with labour and baby :o)
2006-11-15 11:25:08 · answer #9 · answered by вℓαмє_¢αиα∂α 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
HI there. I was dilated to 3cm with my first for FOUR WEEKS! She was head down ready to go like that for a month! It's a long process, but you will get through it. You'll have that little bundle in your arms before you know it!
Good luck to you!!
2006-11-15 11:24:45 · answer #10 · answered by Lady Scientist 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋