39 Weeks Pregnant: 4cm Dilated & 75% Effaced - What's Next?

Question
Hello,
I am at 39 weeks, and yesterday my Dr. said I was 4 centimeters dialated and 75% effaced.  I feel like I will never go into labor.  What do you think?

Answer
Hi Mandi :)

Wow, you really are in the home stretch!

At your stage of pregnancy, you can go into active labour at any given time. Your body, has certainly began to prepare for the labour process. However, even though you have dialated, and thinned out ..even still, its not an indicator as to exactly when labour will start.

Keep in mind, that first time moms quite often go over due. Its not uncommon at all. Some will go to week 40 or 41. By then a doctor will schedule a day for the patient to be induced, to get the ball rolling.

I know, its so uncomfortable at this stage in the game. But I hope for you, its sooner then later. Try taking walks when you can. This can bring on active labour. As well, as some people swear by nipple stimulation as well. Some ladies, even have intercourse, just to try and trigger labour as well.

Bottom line, is your little one will make way to this world when he/she is ready. Just have solice in knowing you have a couple of weeks max, before you deliver.

Your doctor will set a target date for you to labour. If you go past that date, then he will schedule you to go to hospital, to induce labour ..

I hope this has answered your question, and I wish you all the best in your up coming labour, and delivery :)

Thanks for writing!

-Kristy