QuestionI have been dilated 1cm for almost a week now.. my midwife said i should be fine for at least 2 to 3 weeks what do u think.... As of today i am 36 weeks and this is my first child.
AnswerHello,
Congratulations! Your getting close and being dilated a little at this point is not unusual. But it doesn't tell you when. You could walk around 2 even 3 centimeters for weeks. Vaginal exams in last pregnancy only tells the midwife or doctor if you cervix is getting ready....It will not tell when the baby is coming. Even a exam in labor only tells the midwife or doctor that labor is progressing.
Lots of women will not be dilated or effaced at all when they begin labor. Others may have a softer cervix, a little dilation or a little effacement.
The thing about dilation and effacement is that it won't tell you or your midwife when you will go into labor. It only means that your body is preparing for labor....when? Only your baby knows.
You could remain 1 centimeters right up until true labor begins or you could continue to dilate a little up until true labor begins.
Being a little dilated before labor can give you a great head start!
Some women want to know each week how dilated they are and they can be very disappointed if they think "nothing is happening" Know that your body is just preparing and you little one will be here when it's time.
Wishing you a safe and wonderful birth!
