30 Weeks Pregnant: Understanding Cervical Dilation & Effacement

Question
I am only 30 weeks pregnant. I recently had a bad kidney infection because of this I had to go to the hospital (in labor and delivery) to take some tests. My doctor then checked my cervix and I was dilated to a 2 and 50% effaced. Should I be worried about going into labor to early?

Answer
At 30 weeks, I wouldn't be worried about a little dilation and effacement unless you are already having contractions.  You are in the homestretch of your pregnancy, and it's normal for some dilation and effacement to occur prior to labor.  How much varies widely from woman to woman, and it just depends on what is normal for you.  Some woman can be dilated as much as 4cm for weeks before going into labor.