Feeling a bit discouraged

acorlew7 · January 2012

So, I will be 38 weeks on Wednesday and as of my last doctor appointment last Thursday, I am still not dialated at all and 0% effaced.

I know I still have a couple weeks until my due date, but the fact that I haven't made any progress yet has me a little worried. I really do not want to have to be induced. Is it normal to have not made any progress at all by this time?

lovemylife707 · January 2012

I know that a lot of women can change very quickly. You may be 0 cm now and go this week and be 3 cm. Just like a lot of the time people may be stuck at 2 cm for weeks... you just never know about these little babies!!

Best of luck to you!!

kjg5445 · January 2012

my SIL was 1cm and barely effaced at her 40 week appointment, went into labor that night had literally had him within 2 hours of feeling any strong contractions.

you never know

doodahsgurl · January 2012

With my daughter I had an appointment on Friday and had no progress then Monday I woke up at 5 am because my water broke. I was 39 weeks.

runrinserepeat · January 2012

"Progress" means nothing. You could sit at 4 cm for weeks, or you could be 0 cm and go into labor tonight. Try not to let it get you down.

Mommy2Boys09 · January 2012

I wouldn't worry, especially if you're a FTM. It may take more time. and some people dont do anything untill they go into labor. But if you wanna try and help it out, just do lots of walking, and climbing stairs. I just started taking evening primrose oil yesterday because I'll most likely end up induced tomorrow due to high bp and am afraid of having another long labor since I was induced last time also because of high bp. I'm not sure if I could take enough in 2 days to really do much but I will let you know if I've changed any and maybe it could help you too.

December192009 · January 2012

Before I had DS2 there was no sign of his arrival - I think they lied as said fingertip just to make me feel better! Two nights later I was back at the hospital having him! My MIL went in to be checked the day DH was born and the doc said no baby here anytime soon! She went into labor hours later at 4 in the afternoon. Just like PPer said, you could go into labor at anytime. I know it's miserable, but just try to find activities to make you more comfortable - relaxing in the bathtub, getting a nice pedicure in so you can have pretty toes during delivery.... baby will be here before you know it!

Melanie.Brown · January 2012

Have sex!! There is a hormone in semen that helps efface or "thin out" your cervix. Also, stairs, sitting on a big exercise ball, get on your hands and knees and scrub your floors and baseboards!

With DD I was barely 1cm and 70% effaced (lots of sex) at my 40 week visit, the Dr. managed to squeeze through the cervix to strip my membranes (thankfully she had small hands!) I had NO signs of anything happening, no BH, no contractions, nothing, so we scheduled an induction for 41 weeks. 2 days later my water broke at home and I progressed naturally with no pitocin and DD was born 18 hrs later.

DeliveryNurse27609 · January 2012

Try not to be discouraged. As you can see by everyone's stories, progress can go rapidly once things get started. Full term is now considered to be 39 weeks and beyond, so still plenty of time to make change. Look at my Hub on natural birth for some natural induction method options, which aren't recommended until 39 weeks and beyond. Good luck and keep us posted.

https://adayinmylife1.hubpages.com/_3ipdafzv99waw/hub/Natural-Birth-Natural-Labor

laurmar21 · January 2012

Just to encourage you... and every one is different, but at 38 weeks I was only a fingertip dilated and not at all effaced... which is basically nothing at all. The very next week I was 3cm dilated and 75% effaced. Now, I am officially overdue... but tomorrow is my next appointment and I am excited to hear the progress my body made this week with all the contractions I've been having. So, it can all change very quickly! Try not to be discouraged.... with being overdue... I am trying to just trust that the baby will come in God's best timing.