38 weeks pregnant,not dilated yet?

Question

Hi,This is my frist pregnancy I'm 38 weeks pregnant expecting a baby girl,the thing is that recently i went to the hospital due to really bad cramping and i was told by the nurse that i hadn't dilate,why is it?I'm 38 weeks due in two weeks!I have a doctor's appointment today and i'm not sure what will happen,can anybody give me some advice,it would be really helpfull,thanx!

Answer 1

With my first child I was only dilated to 1 when I went into labor. I was barley dilated, having irregular and unproductive contractions when my water broke (at 39 weeks). With my second child I didn't dilate at all. I was in labor and having the same irregular and unproductive contractions that I had with my first.Because of my past history of unproductive labor, the doctor thought it best to induce me ( I agreed). I delivered my second child at 38 weeks.
On the flip side, my best friend walked around dilated to 3+ for about a month with both of her children and did not deliver until 40 weeks with her first and 40 1/2 weeks with her second.
So I wouldn't be too worried about it.

Congratulations and Good luck!

Answer 2

Did the nurse tell you that you aren't in labor yet? It's very common for the cervix to not even start to dilate until you're in labor (sometimes not until you're WELL into labor). Don't worry about it, you still have another 2 weeks and remember that is an ESTIMATED due date, the baby will come when it's ready.

Before the cervix begins to dilate it has to thin and soften. Often you'll have what's called a bloody show, as the cervix thins and starts to dilate in preparation for delivery, small capillaries burst and cause a pink or brown vaginal discharge. This can be anywhere from a couple weeks to a couple hours before labor actually starts. Sometime after the bloody show the mucous plug, which has sealed the cervix throughout the pregnancy, dislodges. It will look like pink or blood-tinged stringy mucus. You may not notice either of these things, most often they are noticed when you go to the bathroom.

Check the website in sources for more information on labor. It sounds like you need to do some research so you'll know what to expect. This being your first pregnancy you may not be able to match up what you're experiencing with what you learn, but it will help.

Answer 3

My friend just had her baby yesterday morning at 4:50. She was worried too because since the 38th week, everytime she went to the doctor she wasn't dilate and she even went over due by a week and she wasnt dilated still. She finally started when the baby was ready to come out. So don't worry, when your little girl decides it's time to come into this world, your body will do it's thing. Good Luck and Congrats.

Answer 4

Easy girl, don't get crazy...dilation can begin, as you have been advised early, which really is not always a good thing, or late, by induction by a physician. I am 39 weeks and not dilated at all, this is my third child. If possible talk to your mom and see what her pregnancy history is like...mine is textbook to my mom and grandmother, they both went 10 days to 2 weeks past their duedates, 1 for 6 kids, 1 for 4 kids and so far for me for 2 kids. As far as your cramps go, you are beginning what I believe the term is transisition or effacing(? it has been 7 years for me so if I am wrong feel free to correct terminology), when your cervix starts to thin & soften and the baby is dropping lower & lower pressing on areas/organs she was not before...not to mention your hips/pelvis is probably sore as well. I found a birthing class my first time around to be incredibly informational...you will experience things like mucous plugs and water breaking. Stuff you don't always hear about til later. Both of my plugs were pulled, and on one child my water bag/membrane was intentionally ruptured to assist in speeding up labor progression. Drugs can be used, like petossin, if you are in labor and not dilating as fast as your ob/gyn would hope. I experienced contractions for 3 days off & on with both babies and was only dialted approx. to 6 when water broke & at hospital...it can be a long wait so be patient, her arrival will be worth it. As someone stated, a "full term" pregnancy can be anywhere from 37-43 weeks!

Answer 5

Some women walk around dilated...but that doesn't mean they will have the baby any earlier than those who are tightly closed :) For me - once I started dilating...it was labor...and babies were born within 8 hours. A good friend of mine was 3-4cm from 36 weeks on and then ended up being induced past her due date.

Answer 6

well... that is ok
u see labor has two phases
1-latent phase :where u complain of on off lower abdominal pain similar to period pain associated with back pain, the cervical dilatation in this phase from 0-3 cm, this phase can take days, usually contractions are abit far away and the pain in total doesn't last more than one hour.
2-active phase of labor : when ur cervix dilate more than 3 cm with strong uterine contraction 2-3 per 10 min.
i am sure u r not yet in labor so it is normal to have a closed cervix.
wish u the best.

Answer 7

You already answered your own question... it's your first! The first baby takes a lot longer then any subsequent pregnancies and more often then not, you won't dialiate until you're underway in labor. Also did you know that 25% of first time babies are induced???? I think this is fault of the docs more then anything since naturally pregnancy lasts from 37-44 weeks not the standard 41 in which they begin induction.

Answer 8

Don't worry about it. I was dilated to four when I was 37 weeks pregnant and I have friends who weren't dilated at all until they were actually in labor. Every pregnancy is different and that is totally normal either way. Good Luck and Congratulations!

PS My ob told me to go home and have sex to help dilate my cervix, there is something in semen that softens your cervix. Just a hint!

Answer 9

I'm sorry to say, but just because you're due in two weeks it doesn't mean you'll have the baby in two weeks. Although you could go at any time, if its your first baby plan on her being late. With my first I was two weeks late. My second I was two weeks early. You just never know. Good Luck, and I hope she comes when you're ready.

Answer 10

I know that you are frusterated and feel like you have been pregnant forever. But don't worry about it. You WILL dilate when your body is ready too. Walking does help. I went into labor while shpping at Target during my last pregnancy. Be patient! No one has been pregnant forever! :)