If your cervix is thinning, are you dilating?

bubbs147

My sister had her checkup today, she is 36 weeks, and her OB told her she is about 40% thinned out, but didn't mention dilating?  I started dilating then with both girls, so I can't remember.  My sister said she mentioned something about a fingertip, but didn't say she was dilated.  So if she is thinning, is she dilating as well?

My girls and I are set to fly there closer to the due date, and have rapid reward tickets ready to go in case we have to go early.  Just thinking that might actually happen!  Wow! 

AnyaBella

When I was PG I was put on early bed rest because my of contractions and my cervix was thinning (effaced), but I was not dilated at all. I would think though that if there was mention of a "fingertip" that does refer to being dilated. From what I've heard women can spend several weeks being dilated/effaced though. Good luck to her and how exciting for you guys!

StefandTodd

They're separate things (she can be thinned/effaced but not dilated), although if they said fingertip, then she may be a fingertip dilated.  PP is right that it doesn't necessarily mean anything though.  I was "thinned" at 36 weeks, 2 cm dilated at 38 weeks, and am currently 39 weeks pregnant...and really, I could still be pregnant for a couple more weeks.  Good luck to your sister though!

ETA: At my 36, they didn't give me a percentage I was thinned out, but she said I was "mostly" thinned out...so I think 40% for your sister at 36 weeks sounds probably on track for where I was - i.e. I think she could still very well have several more weeks to go  

bubbs147

Oh good!  Thanks to both of you...we have tickets scheduled to go out (she's in Florida, I'm in California) much closer to the due date.  I hope he stays in there!