Understanding Dilation and Effacement: A Postpartum Q&A

Question
My due date is tom. 7/17.  My son is 22 months old and he was born by c-section.  He was born at 39 weeks 6 days.  When I was 39 weeks, 1 day, I was dilated to 1 and 50% effaced.  The only reason he was c-section, was that he became entangled in his cord after my water broke.  Today, I am 39 weeks, 80% effaced and dilated to a 2.  My doctor discussed a possible induction, however, suggested against it to avoid possible complications such as a reapeated c-section, my incision rupturing, or even death to myself or the baby.  I was very excited at the thought of being induced tom., however, have decided to wait and see what happenes.  She said that he is very, very low and surprised that I haven't had him yet.  However, I've heard of women being dilated to four and walking around for weeks.  Is it more significant to have a thinning cervix or a thinning cervix?  Or is one not neccessarily more important than the other?  I'm just ready to have this baby and wondering if you see any light at the end of the tunnel and a fast approaching natural delivery or if it could still be weeks?  Thanks for your help!  Mindy

Answer
Hello Mindy. You will have this baby in the next two weeks one way or another because I doubt your dr. will let you go more than 2 weeks past due date. Your effacement and low baby tell me that your body is doing a great job of preparing for labor- when the time is right, it will start. You can help things along by doing some nipple stimulation. Settle in to watch TV in the evening with a clock, paper and pencil. Mark out two hours in 5 minute intervals. Then, every five minutes, for one FULL minute- rub and twirl your nipples(don't hurt them) for two full hours. You will notice in increase in contractions during this time- they will help to continue the softening and effacement of the cervix. Yes, many women walk around 4-5 cm dilated for a couple of weeks but once they start active labor, it does not take long. Be patient, don't let your dr. push you into induction or a section- your body CAN do this. All the best- Cheri.