I'm almost 36 weeks pregnant and will be getting checked internally for dilation of the cervix, etc. at my next appointment (which is next Tues). What or how many cm dilated would I be if I was nearing labor? How does the whole number thing work? This is my first baby and I know the doc will explain but I'm curious since I've been on meds since 26 weeks due to pre-term labor. Thank you in advance for your help.
2007-07-24 05:44:14 · 5 answers · asked by mom-to-my-boy 3 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Pregnancy
Cervical Changes
Dilation Standards
0-4 cm: Early Labor
4-8 cm: Active Labor
8-10 cm: Transition
10 cm: Fully Dilated
Your midwife, doctor or nurse will be looking for signs the contractions have caused changes in the cervix. These signs include position of cervix, dilation, effacement, station of the baby and sometimes the position of the baby.
Before labor begins, the cervix drops into the vaginal canal at an angle that makes it point toward the back (posterior). One sign of progress is that the cervix has become anterior, meaning that it's position has realigned to allow the baby to drop into the vagina (birth canal). This is generally a change that happens early in labor.
Dilation and effacement work together to open the cervix to allow the baby to drop into the vagina. During pregnancy the cervix lengthens and thickens to protect the baby. During labor, the cervix softens and shortens to allow the baby to pass through. Effacement refers to the thickness or thinness of your cervix. Effacement is measured by percentage, with 0% being a thick and hard cervix and 100% being a very soft thin cervix that is "gone."
During labor, the cervix opens wider to allow the baby to pass through. Dilation refers to how big the opening of the cervix is and is measured from 0 (closed cervix) to 10 (fully opened cervix). A cervix will need to efface before it will have any great progress in dilating.
The station of the baby refers to the progress of the head through the pelvis. The attendant will try to estimate where the baby's head is in relation to the ischial spines of the pelvis (the narrowest part). Before the baby's head reaches the ischial spines, the station is given in negative numbers. At the ischial spines the station is measured as 0. After the top of the head has passed through the area of the spines, station is given in positive numbers.
Some attendants will also use a cervical exam to confirm the position of the baby in the pelvis. By feeling the position of the bones on the top of baby's head, the attendant can determine which direction the baby is facing (to the front, back or leaning to a side).
2007-07-24 05:54:30 · answer #1 · answered by mommymystic 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Dilation is measured in cm. I went into labor once just a fingertip dilated and twice not dilated at all. I know a lady who walked around at 3 cm for 3 weeks before she finally went into labor.
So basically, dilation means pretty much nothing until you are actually IN labor. Whatever they tell you at your appt, it doesn't mean you're going soon or going late. Once you are in labor, you are ready to push at 10 cm.
2007-07-24 12:58:24 · answer #2 · answered by sparki777 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well..there is no way to tell. I was dilated 2 cm for like three weeks. I know when you are 4 cm its considered labor. So good luck! Hope you have your baby soon!
2007-07-24 12:47:41 · answer #3 · answered by ~HOLLY~ 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is different for every woman. I was dialated to 2 cm from week 37 all they way to week 43, I had no progress for 6 weeks. Then at 43 weeks I was only 3 cm and had my baby a week later. It really is so totally diiferent for everyone.
2007-07-24 12:48:15 · answer #4 · answered by izzymo 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
3 cm to be in labor i have been 2 cm and 70% effaced for 4 days now and they just sent me home. Just stop taking your medicence if you want to be in labor. and good luck to you
2007-07-24 12:47:46 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋