Understanding Labor Stage -2: What You Need to Know

Question
My daughter is pregnant and due June 21.  Today she went to her doctor and he told her that she is dilated 2 and effaced 70%.  He also told her that she is at stage  -2.  I have to travel to be there, and I do not know what  the  -2 means.  Can you tell me?

Answer
When the presenting part of the fetus is felt at the level of the ischial spines, we say that the fetus is at 0 station. One centimeter above that is called -1 station and one centimeter above that is called -2 station and one centimeter above that is called -3 station (or floating). If the presenting part of the fetus is below the spines, we call it +1,+2, and +3 respectively.  (+3 is about to deliver.) If your daughter is only8 2cm and -2 station, you have plenty of time.