Manual Dilation

Lindss1209

I had my 38 week appointment today and my midwife did an internal check. No dilation, 50-60% effaced...however she manually dilated me to 1cm. I trust that she knows what she's doing but was wondering if anyone else has had this and if so, did it speed things along for you??

jgreig83

I went in on Wednesday to my MW. She checked my cervix and did a sweep of the cervix. I was dilated to 1 cm at that time, and since yesterday I can definitely feel her lower and deep in the pelvis. Whether or not this means that she has sped it up, or if my Monday (when I get checked at the hospital due to some high BP and amniotic fluid levels) is obviously to be determined. I would love to hear what others have to say if they have any experience in this area. 

amhah09

I have been checked in the past and had them say "you are X dilated but I could easily make you a Y" I think with DD when my MW did my membrane sweep she took me from 2 to 3. I think it just means your cervix is pretty soft/cooperative and with some prodding can dilate more.

Teresa1896

Dear Jesus that sounds unpleasant.

But my history of cervical checks has mostly been with no dilation and noy effaced, so the thought of stretching out a locked up tight cervix turns my stomach a bit.

AmberLiz99

When I got to the hospital to have ds thy checked me and I was only a 3, but "could stretch me to a 4." So they admitted me

That's the only context I have with it.

MamaFantastic

my midwife dilated me from 9.5 to 10 cm at the very end of my labor process with kiddo (4 years ago).  something about him being stuck behind a lip...  i don't know, i wasn't in my right mind at that point!  i've never heard of someone beginning to dilated manually when a cervix is completely air tight, though.  that's a first for me!

amhah09

AmberLiz99 said:

When I got to the hospital to have ds thy checked me and I was only a 3, but "could stretch me to a 4." So they admitted me

That's the only context I have with it.

When I got out of the tub I was "a really stretchy 8" and she said she could stretch me to 10. When I was pushing she was trying to push that lip of cervix out of the way but ultimately DD2 didn't come until that last little bit went away on its own.