Cervical Dilation at 37 Weeks: What to Expect

Question
I am now 37 weeks and I have been dilated 1-1.5 since I was like 30 weeks, Ive been getting regular contractions every 10 minutes since 21 weeks. When do you think I will deliver, or maybe you can give me some information to talk over with my OB/GYN. I am very uncomfortable and need a solution! please help

Answer
This sounds very normal!  Dilation means nothing about when you will go into labor.  Some women go fast, some go slow.  You can be tight closed and be holding your baby in a few hours, or you can walk around dilated to 4 for weeks.  The early contractions you've been having don't mean a whole lot either, unfortunately.  Many women start having them during the second trimester.  Although these practice contractions are usually irregular and infrequent, it is not uncommon to have them be strong and consistent, as in your case.  It still is not true labor until they are requiring your full attention (even in between contractions), and are causing progressive dilation (no matter how slow).  On the bright side, once your labor does begin, it may go a little faster thanks to all the work your uterus has already been doing these last months.  Use the contractions now to practice your labor coping strategies, and try to relax.  You could still have 5 weeks to go, so don't get too upset, because stress can cause the baby to stay in even longer.