Dialation?

Question

I am 36 weeks prego, and I had my weekly check today. When the doc did the cervical exam he said that I was 1 centimeter dialted. Now I was in shock at the time and forgot to ask questions. I would like to hear from other woman what they think this means. Is it normal for this to happen? And if you went though this what happened in your case? Does this mean it is coming quicker than I thought?

Ok let me re- phrase. Sorry I ment is it normal to dialate so soon? My first child came early, so I woulnt know. ( 32 weeks) And I am already 50 % effaced

Answer 1

this means that your cervix is starting to open. you can remain at this stage for 4 weeks, so stop fretting. you want your cervix to not only dialate, but efface (soften), too.

Answer 2

Dilation and effacement mean NOTHING unless you are in active labor. You can walk around dilated for WEEKS.

Personally, with my first, I was 3-4 cm and 100% effaced for at least a week with my first before going into active labor!

If a mom has had a baby before, she never closes up as tightly and can be 1 cm from the very start of the PG. (So since this is your second, you may well have been 1 cm since conception!)

There is really no reason to even consent to a cervical check until you go into labor. The information is useless. It won't tell you anything about when you'll have your baby. It's just another way that caregivers try to "manage" your pregnancy and birth.

Answer 3

Yes, I have been there. Doctor says something and it is like a deer stuck in the head lights. So do not worry. And write down anything you can not find a answer for your next visit.

Well if you have your mucus plug in tact you will not for much longer. Other then that not to much else to tell you without any other things happening.

It is normal at 36 weeks to be dilated or not at all. Stinks not knowing exactly what, when, and where things are going to happen. That is the magic of pregnancy.

Answer 4

This is very normal. Many women start to efface and dialate a few weeks early with their second child. This does not necessarily mean the baby is coming earlier than expected.

If you still have questions, don' t be afraid to call your doctor back!

Answer 5

Don't stress this doesn't mean the baby is coming just yet.
I remember when i was pregnant with my son and i was dilated to a 1 and stayed that way until contractions started which was a little over 40 weeks.
I actually stoped dilating and was induced to help labor along. Thank goodness it worked!
I know that walking helps a lot and you don't want to stay at a 1, it's the longest stage of labor. I hope i start dilating sooner than later!!

Answer 6

I am 39 weeks prego, and I was dilated to 1cm at 36 weeks too at 37 weeks I was 1cm and 70% affaced, 38 weeks still the same now 39 weeks and the same still it sucks, I'm impatient I want this baby out! It really varies with women every one is different but you are definetly close!

Good Luck!

Answer 7

I was 3 cm dilated for 3 weeks with my first, but only 1 cm at the very end with my second. My first came 8 days early and my second came 2 weeks early.

Answer 8

When you have already had a baby, you have what is know as a parous os, which means the opening of your cervix (os) has been previously stretched, and it is about 1cm. It wouldn't matter how many weeks you are, you would be about 1cm.

So I wouldn't worry about your baby coming earlier than expected based on that.

Why on earth is your doctor doing a vaginal exam at 36 weeks?

Answer 9

this isn't something to worry about i was 1cm dilated from 3 months before i gave birth by the time i was at your stage of pregnancy i was 2 1/2 cm dilated. i was induced at 37 weeks

Answer 10

Totally normal. Don't worry. You can be at 2cm for weeks. Even if you did go into labor, at 36 weeks the baby would be fine.

Answer 11

A good possibility is that you may be further along in your pregnancy than what is thought. Best of luck to you, I hope you have a very smooth labor with no problems and a very healthy baby.