Question about labor....?

Question

Let me make it clear that i'm not trying to induce, i just have a question.

I visited my midwife for my 37 week check-up...she said i'm thick and closed and she'll see me at my next appointment. Is labor always a progressive thing or could i still suddenly go into active labor?

I know i should have asked her, i was just surprised. I assumed i would be at least a little dialated. Baby has dropped and i still feel great. Thanks in advance for your answers.

Answer 1

In most cases labour is a progressive thing. Your thick and closed so it will be a little while before labour will hit. But it really depends on how your cervix is. You could be thick and closed one day, have a tonne of braxton hicks, then the next day you could be 50% thinned out and 2cm! I have been 50% and 3cm for the last 2 weeks and i am going completely insane lol.
Your baby has dropped which really works out in your favour because with the pressure from the baby's head, it will help get your cervix going. Dont stress about it too much and things will happen for you! Good Luck and have a safe and fast delivery!

Answer 2

Everyone is different. For all 4 of my pregnancies including this one I am always thick and closed. For my first three pregnancies, my water broke around my due date before I was even in labor. Then the labor started immediately and was severely painful to the point of passing out or going insane. My labors have lasted anywhere from 48 to 72 hours. I had an emergency C the last time so this time I opted for a scheduled C to avoid any more excruciatingly long labors!

Answer 3

you could be completely closed today and have dialated to a 2 by tomorrow, its an ongoing guessing game. My last two appts i was completely closed and this week i went in and they said i was 1 centimeter but he still hasnt dropped but to not go home sad becuase for all they know i could go into labor in the night....its all up to your baby!

Answer 4

Labor is very difficult to predict! You could still suddenly go into active labor, so don't be surprised if your contractions start even when your midwife says you are nowhere near labor. Good luck! :)

Answer 5

Its progressive in the sense that most women have things like braxton hicks and period like cramps for a few weeks before labor starts.

But you can fly into full on labor out of the blue. If you're unaware of your body and its cues its quite possible, especially for a first time mom.

Answer 6

you will thin and open when the baby is ready. It could happen overnight, or take the next 3 or 5 weeks to happen. With a first baby, you never know.

Think of it this way. Your baby is well protected if you are still thick and closed.

Answer 7

I hadnt dialated at all at my 39 week appt, then at my 40 week appt date, i went into active labor and by the time i made it to the doctor, i was dialated to a 5...

every labor is different! :)

Answer 8

i went into labour at 42 weeks on the day they were going to induce me, i was still getting on with normal things , went to the toilet and my waters broke! and within 45 mins or so i had my daughter, the only pain i had was some twinges in my back. so i would when the baby is ready it will either be quick or fast, its different from person to person!

Answer 9

It varies from mother to mother. I thinned and dialated very slowly and then moved quickly into active labor with my first and thinned and dialted several centimeters within days with my second.

Answer 10

I think it can happen pretty fast in some cases. But I think you'll definitely make it to your next appointment before going into labor, so you'll get another chance to ask her. Unless of course she tells you that you have dilated.