Understanding Baby Station: What Does -1 Mean at 39 Weeks?

Question
39 weeks preg  1cm 50% efaced have been like this for 1 mo. 2nd child 8yrs apart went to appt today slightly more dialated and more efaced baby at -1 station will I labour within week  or can you explain what this means? STATION

Answer
Hello Jamie,

What "station" means is how low the baby's head can be felt in your pelvis.  I believe -4 is the highest meaning the head is up very high, while 0 is at your pelvic bone and +4 is when the baby is about to be born and the head is about to crown.  
Most women go into labor around -1 or even +1.  You may want to click on this link to learn more about this.

http://parenting.ivillage.com/pregnancy/plabor/0,,midwife_8nbb,00.html

I hope this helps you.  I don't think you have too much longer to go!  

Andrea