How dilated can you be without being in active labor?

goldenleaves · December 2009

How dilated can you be without being in active labor? At what point would your OB send you to L&D after an internal? Just curious!

Michele57O · December 2009

My aunt just told me the other day she was dialated to a 6 for 6 weeks before they gave her a c section. Not 100% on that because that seems like a lot.

LittleMamaB · December 2009

With my first, I was dilated to 4cm at my 39 week appointment with no signs at all. I was sent to L&D, but I was scheduled for an induction two days later anyways. So, we just went a bit ahead of schedule.

goldenleaves · December 2009

I'm asking because I was 3cm at my last appointment, was sent to L&D and sent home. I've been having contractions since then, but not timeable. I'm wondering if I make it to my next appointment (on Thursday) what will be likely to happen if I'm further dilated.

JaredandKatie · December 2009

I had a friend tell me that she was at 3 cm for a few weeks and it was frustrating because her Dr. admitted her to L&D at 4 cm. I believe every OB or hospital probably has different policies. Good luck though!

moobug · December 2009

according to the birth class I took Saturday, 5 cm usually equals active labor. I am sure this varies just like everything else pregnancy related.

Desmond&MollyJones · December 2009

I thought it was around 4 cm when they admit you to L & D.

kelsytropico · December 2009

One of my Friends is about 4cm dilated for weeks before she goes into labour. She's had three and each time it is similar. She jokes that all she needs to do is jump and the baby is going to pop out. Lucky thing is she actually only needs to push a couple times before the baby does come in the end

Fuzzypeaches · December 2009

I read on here recently that a girl was 7 centimeters when she first went to the hospital and had only been in labor for a very short time.

I think that's probably pretty rare though. My doctor said it's somewhat common to be up to 3 centimeters dilated before going into actual labor, but that some people start labor right at zero. Everyone's different

jescgrl · December 2009

with my 1st I was 4.5 cm at my 41 week appointment (he was/is hard headed!)

They checked and said they wouldnt send me to L&D b/c they had a feeling I was going to go on my own within 24 hours... sure enough that night I was there and at 8cm when I started feeling like I was in agonizing pain(im guessing thats active labor no one told at what point I was in)

StarryNight39 · December 2009

I was at 4cm for 2 weeks before DD #2 decided to make her appearence.

Shorty has been at 4-4.5 for 2 weeks now......

serrill2 · December 2009

With my second, my water broke, I had no contractions but headed to the hospital which took about 35 minutes. Upon arrival my contractions had just started and when they checked me a few minutes later, they started to "stat" (get here immediately) my doctor and back up help.

My daughter was born less than an hour later. I guess my answer is that you can dialate quite a bit without being in active labor lol.

melvolcom · December 2009

goldenleaves:
I'm asking because I was 3cm at my last appointment, was sent to L&D and sent home. I've been having contractions since then, but not timeable. I'm wondering if I make it to my next appointment (on Thursday) what will be likely to happen if I'm further dilated.

I am in the same exact boat. I was 3 cm last Thursday and have been having contractions but not worthy ones. My next appt isn't until Thursday, I just don't want to be late. Ugh. I hate dancing with dates around Christmas!

fellesferie · December 2009

With DS, I was 2cm, ~50%, with a 'bulging bag of water.' They didn't admit me, but did say they didn't think I'd make my next appointment.

Three days later I started having contractions, went to L&D, was at 5cm and they admitted me. If I hadn't been having regular contractions, I'm not sure what would have happened.

ScissorTailedFlycatcher · December 2009

I'm 4.5 cm right now. My doctor told me that once I reach 6, they'll take me off my meds and let it run its course.

But for someone who is full term, I've heard people being sent home at 6 if they aren't effaced enough or if they aren't having contractions.

lmjohnson · December 2009

I've been at 5 cm and 80% effaced for 3 weeks now. I've been on modified bedrest at home since right before Thanksgiving, but I've only been allowed to be at home because the doctor could see my house from the hospital room.

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