QuestionAt my 39 week checkup today, my cervix was found to be posterior and 3cm dilated (I was only 1cm last week.) My doctor said I had 1 cm of cervix remaining. What does this translate to, percentage wise, in terms of effacement?
Also, last week I measured 42 weeks and have been measuring 4-6 weeks ahead all along. Today I measured 39 weeks. Does this mean the baby has started to descend, or can that measurement be off because of her position? This is my third baby and I have never experienced lightening prior to delivery, so I'm not sure what to expect if it were the case.
Thank you so much in advance!
AnswerNormal cervical length is about 3cm, so you would be 65% effaced.
The change in your measurement could be either descent or a change in position. A posterior baby, whose arms and legs are facing your front, can cause you to measure smaller than an anterior baby, whose butt and back are pushing your tummy forward. If the baby has engaged into your pelvis, that could also affect your measurements. Usually, you will feel some pressure in the pelvis after the baby descends; you might notice it particularly when you squat down.
It sounds like you are well on your way, so good luck and happy birthing!
