Understanding Cervical Dilation: 3cm Outside, 1cm Inside at 37 Weeks

Question
I am 37 weeks pregnant with my third baby and have been experiencing lots of Braxton Hicks contractions. (Sometimes so many, and so strong, that I think labor is beginning - but then they go away after a few hours.) Today my midwife checked me and said my cervix was anterior and that I am dilated 3cms on the outside and only 1cm on the inside. What does this mean? I don't understand how I can be both 3cm and 1cm? And, does an anterior cervix mean that labor could be coming soon?

Answer
The anterior cervix doesn't mean anything.  The position of your baby can affect that.  What your midwife likely felt was that your cervix felt loose and open on the bottom, at the opening, but narrowed down to only a fingertip's width as she felt up towards the baby.  Since this is your third baby, it may just be that your cervix is permanently a little open from the passage of your previous children.