How long can you stay 1cm dilated?

baburton · May 2011

I went to the doctor for my 32 week appointment. I told her about some contractions I was having (I didn't think they were a big deal, but I told her just to be safe) and she wanted to check me. She told me I was 50% effaced and 1cm dilated! Instead of coming back in 2 weeks I have to go back next week. If there is any more change she will give me steroid shots for the babies lungs just in case of preterm labor. Anybody already dilating? Any 2nd-timers have experience with this? Thanks

Slightly freaking out here!

GracieLou Freebush · May 2011

I've read that you can stay slightly dilated for weeks/months. So hopefully nothing more changes and you just hang out at 1cm for awhile.

LnR70707 · May 2011

1st timer here, but from what I've heard...you can be 1-2cm dilated for weeks. I start internals next week, but I've already lost chunks of my mucus plug, so I wouldn't be surprised if I am starting to dilate. The effacement is probably the bigger concern. GL!

Kristen61607 · May 2011

I'm 2-3 cm's dilated (I went into PTL last week - got the steroid shots, etc.) and yesterday my dr. told me I could very well make it to mid-June and she's had patients who have been dilated for weeks and weeks. In fact, I've been on strict bed rest and my cervix has actually closed up a bit!

Good luck!

Kendra409 · May 2011

With my first I was dilated to 2 for almost 4 weeks and here is the crazy part...when they finally induced me, I never dilated past 5. I eventually had a C-Section...because of it.

mainemommy · May 2011

I was almost 3 cm dialated & 25% effaced for over a month before I was eventually induced with Camden.

tweller · May 2011

I'm a FTM so this isn't my experience, but I had a friend who just had her son in February and from the beginning of the month she was 3 cm dialated and ended up having to be induced about 5 days after her due date, never went past 5 and ended up having a C-Section. So it's possible to stay dialated and have no change for a while, I'd say!

Hunter22 · May 2011

Kristen61607:

I'm 2-3 cm's dilated (I went into PTL last week - got the steroid shots, etc.) and yesterday my dr. told me I could very well make it to mid-June and she's had patients who have been dilated for weeks and weeks. In fact, I've been on strict bed rest and my cervix has actually closed up a bit!

Good luck!

This. I am in the same boat as Kristen. You can be 1 cm dilated for weeks...months in some cases. Hopefully your appointment next week goes well!

jillybean222 · May 2011

I was 3-4cm with both girls for about 3 weeks. But...everyone is different.

I would be more concerned with contractions than dilation at this point.

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How long can you stay 1cm dilated?

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