32 Weeks Pregnant: Cervix Dilation & Labor Timeline - Expert Advice

Question
age is 29 I have 2 children and my last period was january 22,2004.  I am 32 weeks along in my pregnancy and I went for a routine visit to the doctor and was told I was 1 1/2 cm dialated. I had my son at 35 weeks.  the doctor told me that it will probable be a few more weeks.  my question is:  What is the questimation of me going into labor in the next few weeks.  I am starting to feel tightness in my stomach and I was told that the baby is very low, I am also having trouble sleeping at night.

Answer
Your cervix can remain dilated at 1 1/2 cm until you reach your due date. If this is your third child,you should go to the hospital or call your doctor when you are having strong contractions at the level of your belly button, every 6-8 minutes (from the beginnig of the contraction to the beginning of the next contraction) and each contraction lasts at least 45 seconds in length. If you break your water, call your doctor. Until then, wait for contractions as I mentioned above.