Understanding Discharged from Labor at 5cm Dilation: Is It Normal?

Question
I have a friend that was determined to be in active labor and was dialated to 5 centimeters.  Her contractions stopped and labor did not progress so she was sent home.  This seemed an unusual practice to me, as I thought by 5 centimeters there is no more mucous plug intact to prevent infection/contaminants entering the birth canal.  It has been three days since she was sent home.  Is this a common practice?
Thanks!
Concerned friend

Answer
Hello Jennifer. The plug is not completely gone yet- most of it does not shed until about 8cm. of dilation. It is not the plug that is protecting the baby from infection, but the intact membranes. If her membranes had popped, you can be sure they would not have sent her home. It is a little unusual for a hospital to be so patient but she is lucky that someone had the good sense not to push things. This type of willingness to allow mother nature to take her time is usually only seen with midwifery care. I would really question her facts here- I doubt that she was really 5cm- most likely only 3cm. And active labor is defined as having contractions that she cannot talk through, that are consistently no more than 3-4minutes apart and lasting at least 50 seconds- this has to go on for at least 2-3 hours before it can be called active labor.It won't be too long now before things really kick in- but it could be a few days. Hope that helps- Cheri.