Understanding Your Due Date: What 1cm Dilatation & Effacement Mean

Question
my ob doctor told me today that i am 1 centimeter dilated and 50% effaced. is there any way you can estimate when i will deliver my child. this is my second pregnancy and i am 38 weeks pregnant today.

Answer
Dilation and effacement cannot be used to determine when you will deliver.  You can be completely closed and deliver within hours, or you can be 3 or 4cm dilated and stay pregnant for several weeks.  Normal pregnancies can last up to 42 weeks, but second babies usually come earlier than first babies.  Good luck, and congratulations!