Understanding Uterine Dilatation in Early Pregnancy: What You Need to Know

Question
On thursday i went for my first ultrasound and found out i am a week further along than i thought with a baby boy. I picked up the results on friday and took them to the gp that referred me for the ultrasound. He told me on the report it states ''There appears to be a focal dilatation of the lower uterine segment'', i asked what this ment and he said the bottom of my uterus is stretched beyond it's means and that i could go into pre-mature labor. I have researched the word ''dilatation'' and the definition is the condition, as of an orifice or tubular structure, of being dilated or stretched beyond normal dimensions. The report says my cervix appears closed and of normal length and the placenta is posterior and lies free of the internal os.
I was so worried because my gp didn't explain anything and i was in total shock i couldn't speak or ask questions he just gave me a referral to the antenatal clinic to take to my next appointment on Wednesday, but i couldn't wait that long not knowing what is actually going on so as soon as i woke up this morning i went straight to the hospital, they took me to the birthing unit and listened to the baby's heartbeat on the doppler, then a Dr came in and seen me and she said she had never heard of a focal dilatation of the lower uterus, but if i was to go into labor than there is nothing they can do for another 2 weeks because the baby isn't viable then she sent me home. So here i am more confused than i was before because no one has any answers for me and no one has even heard of this condition.Can you help me shed some light on this condition and what it could mean?

Answer
Sarah,
I have never heard of this either. If, however, your cervix is closed, that's very good news. As long as you are not having any contractions and are not dilating, that is a very good sign. Your doctor may put you on bedrest, but it sounds to me like your pregnancy is still holding on and not going to do anything in the near future. If you start feeling cramps, you should call your OB of go back to the hospital if you have more than 6 in an hour. Hope tis helps a bit. Good luck!!