QuestionI passed my mucous plug at 33 weeks, I was kept in the hospital for a week due to contractions, I was dilated 1-2 cm. I am now 37 weeks and wondering if being that its been 4 weeks since I lost the plug am I exposed to infection? Should I be induced? My doctors haven't internally checked me in about 2 weeks and Im thinking thats weird because if I am dilating, how would they know? Should I request another doctor?
AnswerHello!
Well, even loosing your mucous plug, your amniotic sac is still intact and that's a BIG barrier for infection. The mucous plug is a part of it, but not the only one.
As for the vaginal exams, the policy now is to STAY out of your vagina as much as possible. Frequent exams can increase the chance of infection, so exams are now, thankfully, limited!
All a exam can tell you is if there is any dilating. While it gives a number, it will never and can never say when you'll go into labor. Even if you had an exam and you were 3 cm., if you don't have contractions that are longer, stronger and closer together, there is no telling when.
The best policy right now is to leave the cervix alone. The exam is more of a check to see if your body is gearing up for labor. Your's had a little head start and then calmed down.
You have a great ramp up for labor! Good luck to you!
