50% effaced already!

JTarleton · July 2011

Hello! I am a first time mama that is due August 5th, 2011. I went to the doctors today and found out that I am already 50% effaced and 1 centimeter dialated. Can anyone explain to me what that really means and if I should start packing my bags sooner rather than later?! Thank you!

IlliniQT · July 2011

Congrats, I think every step feels exciting, but on good advice I've been told you can dilate at 30 weeks and stay that way til 42 weeks, or have it all happen at once. I don't want to rain on your parade, just giving you a heads up. My doc said I am 1 cm and high and thick, but I could go at anytime...so its a crap shoot!

KendraJoette · July 2011

It might mean you could go early, but it could mean nothing too, with my first she dropped and i was 3 cm and 70% effaced at 33 weeks, and they had to induce me. It is just so hard to say. This time I have been 1 cm and 60% effaced for the last 3 and a half weeks, having strong contractions, and I am betting I will make it to my C section date next week. I would pack your bags so you are ready just incase, but it is probably just your body getting ready. Try not to over think it too much because if you get it in your head that you will deliver early it can make the last couple weeks pretty hard. Good luck!!

megd06 · July 2011

with my 1st, I was 3 cm dilated and pretty much 100% effaced from 36 wks till delivery--at 40 wks. There's no way to tell.

kjg5445 · July 2011

its exciting to know your body is progressing, but it really doesnt mean much beyond that. i was 3cm at 32 weeks and had my son at 37w 2d.

yay for progress!

starskristen79 · July 2011

I thionk it is 50/50! I am due on August 4th, and dilated the same (Inot sure of effacement).I hope we are both on the 50% side that gets to go a little early, but obviously not too early!!

EMunion777 · July 2011

I'm due August 12th. Today I found out i'm 1 cm dilated and 60% effaced. I worried a little because DH left out of town tonight and will be gone a few weeks but she reassured us that I could stay 1 cm for several weeks. I wouldn't worry too much. Plus you should be having appts every week by now so you'll have constant updates.

tlconnelley55 · July 2011

at 32 weeks i went in for my check up and found out i was 1.5 cm dialated and 75% effaced and so she made me come back 3 days later and said it was finger tip so mine closed up so its all depends on your body.