Externally dilated and loss of MP. What does this mean?

readingbride

I am 35w today with my second child. Yesterday I felt like my underwear was wet so I went to the doc to make sure it wasn't amniotic fluid. She told me I'm starting to lose my mucus plug and am "externally dilated" but not "internally dilated" and 50% effaced. I tried to get her to explain this to me like I was 7 years old, but I still don't get it.

Anyone know what this means? It's too early to have this little one!

MelissaSue81

I would assume it means that the bottom, or outside part of your cervix is starting to open, but its still staying closed at the top.. I've never really heard of that though. I think ususally it happens the other way around.  Doesn't mean you're gonna have the baby anytime soon, even if you WERE dilated

lkstor

i've never heard it described that way...  but i assume your doc means that the external os (opening of the cervix) is dilated, but that the internal os is not.  basically the bottom of your cervix is opening but the top of your cervix is not.

lots of women spend weeks with several centimeters of dilation - especially with second pregnancies.

good luck!

books4brooke

I started losing my MP around 36 weeks and had Kellen at 38.  I think I was 2 cm at 37 weeks and 50% effaced.  I would say it's likely you will deliver early, but I would think it's still a couple of weeks.