QuestionHi, I am 18 years old and 5 days overdue on my first child. I had a midwife appointment today and was told I was 2 cm dilated but I thought that was strange because I haven't had any painful contractions, my water hasn't broken and I haven't noticed any mucousy discharge. I was just wondering how long I could stay in this state before going into labour. (I mean, dilating and not even feeling anything?) Is there any way to tell when labour may begin? I also wanted to know your thoughts on induction. I have the option of being induced in 5 days and was wondering if waiting until 42 weeks did any harm to the baby. I am worried about induction bringing on strong contractions because I don't want to have any medical intervention like demerol or an epidural. And lastly, (sorry this is so long) if my water were to break or I were to lose my mucous plug, what should this look like and how should I feel. I'm worried I won't notice if it were to happen. Thank you so much.
AnswerDilation has no meaning when it comes to when you will go into labor. There's no way to predict. Officially, "active labor" begins around 3 or 4 cm, but some women continue to walk around at even 3 or 4 cm without feeling any contractions.
As for induction, waiting until 42 weeks is, in my opinion, a much better option. Normal pregnancy can vary anywhere from 37 to 42 weeks, so until you reach 42 weeks, you're not really "overdue"; you're just over-average. Induction almost always results in a more difficult labor. Pitocin-induced contractions are longer and stronger than natural ones, and they do not have the same wavelike pattern. They also do not gradually build, allowing your body to slowly adapt as it does with natural labor. In addition, you are fighting against your own body, because you are not truly ready to go into labor yet. Better to wait as long as possible, as long as there is no immediate medical indication for induction other than dates.
You will notice when your water breaks. Some women describe it as feeling like they lost control of their bladder; to others, it feels like a rush of water. It is generally unmistakeable, unless you have a slow leak. If all you have is a slow leak, you may only notice some extra wetness in your panties. If this is the case, waiting it out is still a good option; a slow leak means the baby still has water, and sometimes they even seal back up.
Your mucous plug may not come out until you are in late labor or even pushing. The plug is exactly like a great big glob of snot, and it's bigger than you think. If it comes out all in one piece, it is also unmistakable. It may also come out in pieces, gradually, in which case you may only notice some extra discharge.
Congratulations on your upcoming birth, and good for you for seeing a midwife and aiming for a natural birth. Good luck, and happy birthing!
