Understanding -3 Station in Pregnancy: What Does It Mean?
QuestionI am 33 weeks pregnant. I am 70% effaced and at a -3 station. This is my third pregnancy. My past 2 labors were 4 hours and 1 1/2 hours from start to finish. I also have a short cervix. What exactly does -3 station mean? Is the baby's head engaged? Am I on my way to an early delivery? Is it ok for me to work, my job requires a lot of standing and bending over a shampoo sink? Will working put me into labor? I am 29, 2 children, my last mensrual period was about August 18. I also had preterm labor with my last child, but medication and bed rest worked. She was delivered at 39 weeks. My first child was delivered at 36 1/2 weeks. I am not dilated at all yet.
AnswerWhen you are engaged, the presenting part of the baby is at 0 station. If the presenting part of the baby is 1cm above the ischeal spints, it is called -1 station. If it is 2cm above, it is called -2 station. If it is 3cm above the spines, it is -3station. When you are in labor, the moves down. When it is 1cm lower than the ischeal spines, it is called +1 station. If it is 2cm lower, it is called +2 station. At +3 station, the baby is ready to deliver. If you feel pressure and pain while you are working, you probably should stop working, depending on what exactly you do at work.Right now, the baby's lungs are not mature enought to deliver. However,it does not appear that you are more likely to go into labor with a 70% effacement and a -3 stationi. The goal is to delay labor until 36 weeks. Good Luck. Drink plenty of fluid.
