4 cm at 35 weeks, can I make it to 37 weeks?

Hopeful1!

Just curious if anyone was dialated early and managed to hang on for an extended period of time. I am so uncomfortable but for the babies sake I would like to make it as long as possible (and as long as it is safe for them). All of my tests and the babies tests have been good, I have been on procardia since 24 weeks. They mentioned stopping the meds at 36 weeks. At 4 cm already do you think it is likely that I will go into labor soon after stopping the meds?

Oh, I am 70% effaced (a little less than 1 cm).

Hunter22

I have no idea but wanted to say congrats on making it to 35 weeks!!! How dilated were you when you went on the procardia? They put me on it at 25.5 weeks and was 2 cm/60% effaced so I am wondering if I will keep dilating more while on it. They also told me they will stop the drug at 36 weeks so providing I make it to 36 I am also wondering if labor will kick right in. Great job on keeping those babies in!

cauli001

I made it from 30 weeks to 37.5 like that after PTL and procardia. With only a few weeks of actual bedrest.  You can do it!!! It was tough and uncomfortable...and I felt like a baby was going to fall out at any minute, but you can do it. GL!

aprilsarahjune

I don't know about the dilation but congrats on 35 weeks!  So jealous over here!

kaiteedidit

At 32 weeks I was 4cm and 80-90% effaced (depending on the doctor that checked), I made it to 38 weeks when my water broke. I stopped taking the procardia at 36 weeks, I had tons of contractions after going off of it but none that actually put me into labor.

Good luck and congrats on making it this far.  

fallbride110406

I was 4cm from 32w until 34w when I was released from the hospital on procardia. I was told to stop it at 35w, went into unproductive labor at 35w3d, and then was 5-6cm and 100% effaced when I was checked at my OB at 35w5d. I had an emergency c-section 2 hours later.

hunt2005

The way my doc explained it is that the procardia really only works for about the first 48 hours, and after that if your body really is going into labor theres not much they can do to stop it. The procardia just minimizes the symptoms (makes the early labor contractions hurt less, etc), so coming off of it you may feel them more but they may not actually progress you.

I've been in the hospital for 2 days now, got through the steroids and all, and they're stopping all meds because in their experience it will only mask the symptoms. Indocin is the last step for me, but they're hoping not to have to use it.

That said - it all depends on your body. I've heard of people staying like that for 10+ weeks, others only two. Good luck!!!