38 weeks and no progress....cried :(

Bitty1144

Have any STMs or anyone know of basically anyone who is a FTM, had no progress at 38 weeks (no effacement, no dilation) and went on to deliver naturally? I cried for an hour after my appointment today. I am terrified of getting induced or having a c-section. I know it will be okay if I am forced to, but I just am curious if I should start preparing myself now. Ay thoughts?? Thanks ladies!!!

holly321

My mom had nothing with me, and went into labor the same day.  

 

beanersmommy

That isn't really uncommon. With DD I don't think I was dilated until 39-40 weeks. I delivered at 40w 3d vaginally. Arrived at the hospital and was a 4. Just because you don't have early progress doesn't mean it won't happen. Plus, 40 weeks is full term, so even though you feel like at 38 things should be happening, technically, you still have 2-3 (+) weeks. It is a bit frustrating, but it's best for the baby to cook as long as possible!

ETA: I was only 1cm at 39-40 weeks. 

DanielleB256

I was 1cm dilated when I went into the hospital to have my daughter. I was 10 days late with her.. But I had her vaginally no probs! 

topchef33

I'm hoping I don't need to be induced. At my appt on Tues (38w4d) I had no progress either. I've been feeling some BH more frequently and having back pain, so hopefully things will be picking up soon.

Then again, you could be 2 cm for 2 weeks and end up needing to be induced. it really doesn't guarantee that you will go into labor naturally. Hang in there. 

chulita425

Like PP said, it really isn't uncommon. I had no progress until after my DD and it was barely 1/2 cm! I was scheduled to be induced at 41w 1d (but went into labor a few hours before I was supposed to be at the hospital) and when I got there I was still only at 1cm. I did end up having a c/s though but DS was not cooperating at all.

lil fox

The reason some women refuse cervical checks is because they are not an indication about when you may go into labor. Do not stress. There are women to dilate earlier than others.  

ally2011

Those checks mean nothing which is why I don't get them.  Some women can walk around dilated and partially effaced for weeks, some dilate and efface and go into labor on the same day. 

You are 2 weeks out.  Babies can come 2 weeks late.  You could be pregnant for another month.  Do not stress about this.  Your dilation/effacement right now has nothing to do with when/how your baby will be born.  Relax and enjoy these last few weeks....things are about to greatly change  

eatdrinkstretch

At 37 weeks I had zero signs of progress. My water broke at 38w5d and I delivered at 39 weeks exactly. I had a completely natural delivery. Don't let your lack of progress at this point get you down!

One thing you might want to try is evening primrose oil. My MWs recommended it and it seemed to help things soften and move along.

ThenCaliSays

With my son i had no progress at my 40wk appointment and I was able to go on and have a natural birth.   I am also with a PP, I take on capsule of Evening Primrose oil orally and one vaginally, I do that before bed and I am sure to wear a panty liner to bed.  It will only "help" if your body is ready though. 

tamarar5

ME!!!! I had nothing until the day I was admitted to the hospital.  And I spent 3 solid weeks in labor before I was admitted.  I finally went into labor naturally, and while my labor had to be augmented with Pitocin to keep it going, I delivered DD#1 naturally.

Rosebean

First time poster? I am kinda side eyeing this one... At 38 weeks I would think you would have done enough research by now to know that being dilated/effaced as you get closer to your EDD has nothing to do with when you could go into labour. 

 No offence, but I hope these kind ladies and their replies have helped you dry your tears.... 

Maybe the full moon will help you out... 2 more days!  

Bitty1144

Thanks ladies this has really helped me. I know I am a first time poster but that's because I have always had my questions answered here. I've been on the board since I was pregnant. And I know I would be telling any other woman the same advice everyone gave me but there is still something about reassurance that makes you feel better. And when it is you, it's hard to take your own advice. I was nervous and anxious enough to finally post and I am glad I did! This is a great board. I should have participated sooner thanks again!

 

budgirl007

It really means nothing! You can have no progress and have a baby the next night, or you can have progress and sit at that same point for a few weeks before going into labor. My doc doesn't even check for progress until 39w so I don't even know where I stand if that helps you at all!

jenlb03

Of course! Don't be upset you are only 38 weeks! There is plenty of time. I never dilated early and had 2 vaginal births. I was a week late with each but they came when they were ready. Try to relax and not worry so much I am sure it will be fine. 

starting all over again

With DD1 I was thinking I would be pregnant forever. I had no progression what so ever. No dilation, no effacement, no contractions. The night before my EDD my water broke. I had to have pitocin due to non contracting or dilation. It actually was a breeze!!