Dialation question

Emilywooddesign · April 2015

Im wondering when your OB starts to check to see if you are dialated yet? Is this something that happens or do they not check until you are in labor? Basically, I want to know when I should be prepared to get fingered by my OB. Sorry if this is a silly question

cbrtncanadian · April 2015

I was wondering the same thing... I wasn't sure if they would do it at all unless there were symptoms that suggested that there might be some dilation occurring.

lilitaliangirl · April 2015

Usually OB will start internal exams at 36 weeks and check each week until delivery. I will give a piece of advice, do not get excited with what they tell you about how dilated or effaced you are. You will drive yourself nuts. I was 2 cm and 80% at 36 weeks (3 cm at 38 weeks) and was still induced at 41 weeks. I wish I would have never known because I was convinced I would go into labor at at time....not so much.

esampson1983 · April 2015

I think today mine said at 36 weeks they will start the weekly visits and the dialation checks will start... Fun times...

ETA: auto correct fail

Mommaswizz · April 2015

From my L&D visit last week I learned it was not quite as easy as "getting fingered by my ob". It was pretty effing painful. But yea, it's my understanding that it becomes a part of appointments at 36 weeks

henrytviii · April 2015

I saw this on the checklist at my Dr.'s appointment for 35 weeks.You can decline cervical checks if you want. I was told the reason to have it to know if you go in to L&D if things have changed. My 35 week appointment is next Friday, I'll decline because I had it checked 2 weeks ago but it's quick and only a little awkward. Now that I've given birth once I don't give a crap. I have no dignity left apparently. I had it checked because I was still running several times a week and had had a really rough evening the night before with lots of preterm labor signs. Dr. and I wanted to confirm that was just from a long day and make sure I wasn't dilated so I'd feel comfortable continuing to run. Sadly I quit anyway.

KaLikeAWind · April 2015

I was wondering this, too. And I was also about to ask if they are no good for knowing when labor will start, why they do them at all, but then @henrytviii answered that before I could ask it

Emilywooddesign · April 2015

Interesting, I'm having twins so full term for me is 37 weeks. I'm 33 weeks now so.... I guess I should attempt to shave my 70s bush for my apt tomorrow

Emilywooddesign · April 2015

Mommaswizz said:
From my L&D visit last week I learned it was not quite as easy as "getting fingered by my ob". It was pretty effing painful. But yea, it's my understanding that it becomes a part of appointments at 36 weeks

I went into labor and delivery also about 2 weeks ago and they did a pap type of test to check for enzymes to see if I was going into labor- it was the most painful thing that has happened to my vagina in my life ( so far)

rweaver8611 · April 2015

My doctor told me at my last appt he will start checking weekly at 36 weeks. Only one more doctors appt where I get to keep my clothes on!

KonaCoffeeBean · April 2015

I think 38 weeks at my office. However, totally fine to decline the checks.

laurendutch · April 2015

With my twins it was 32 weeks. And it's more like getting "fisted"

jesscmv · April 2015

@Emilywooddesign I had my first one last week at 32 week with twins and like everyone else said damn is it painful!

AlyLynn07 · April 2015

lilitaliangirl said:
Usually OB will start internal exams at 36 weeks and check each week until delivery. I will give a piece of advice, do not get excited with what they tell you about how dilated or effaced you are. You will drive yourself nuts. I was 2 cm and 80% at 36 weeks (3 cm at 38 weeks) and was still induced at 41 weeks. I wish I would have never known because I was convinced I would go into labor at at time....not so much.

This is what my OB does as well. Definitely don't assume that the degree of effacement or dilation is an indication of when you'll go into labor. For me, I was very discouraged that I was less than 1cm dilated and only 80% effaced at 39 weeks, but DS1 arrived 3 days later!

taboullio84 · April 2015

Yup , 36 weeks . I stayed 3.5 till I was induced. Lol

TheNewMrsY · April 2015

Mine didn't do it until 39 weeks last pregnancy...maybe 38

Nikelizabeth · April 2015

I'm glad you asked! I'm sick of shaving and not being checked lol Well I'm happy to not be checked because ouch! But it sucks shaving lol

Raymer2 · April 2015

Last pregnancy I had one randomly when I was 6 months and was on strict bed rest because I was already dilating at 2 cm but so far I'm 33 weeks and it hasn't been checked. All I remember is it's extremely painful!

dancegurl1118 · April 2015

I was checked 2 weeks ago because of my constant Braxton hicks...my husband was laughing at me because I was making faces from the discomfort. Not fun! But when your cervix is not dilated its pushed back and posterior and therefore makes you feel like they're reaching for your tonsils. Once it starts to dilate it moves further forward and isn't as bad.

Frogger5 · April 2015

mellymar said:
I was wondering this, too. And I was also about to ask if they are no good for knowing when labor will start, why they do them at all, but then @henrytviii answered that before I could ask it

To me that's still not much of a reason. It doesn't matter after the potential for preterm labor has passed; once you're 36 weeks they aren't going to do anything to stop your labor, so who cares what you were last week if you're in active labor now? At that point, you can justify keeping track of the rate of change because it might guide your (or your doctor's) decision making. Before that, though, it seems like a lot of downside without much upside (really if any). Am I missing something?

KaLikeAWind · April 2015

Frogger5 said:

mellymar said:
I was wondering this, too. And I was also about to ask if they are no good for knowing when labor will start, why they do them at all, but then @henrytviii answered that before I could ask it
To me that's still not much of a reason. It doesn't matter after the potential for preterm labor has passed; once you're 36 weeks they aren't going to do anything to stop your labor, so who cares what you were last week if you're in active labor now? At that point, you can justify keeping track of the rate of change because it might guide your (or your doctor's) decision making. Before that, though, it seems like a lot of downside without much upside (really if any). Am I missing something?

Damn. Good point

cbrtncanadian · April 2015

I was lurking in April looking for similar threads there was a post there that indicated that unless there is a reason to check (Dr/midwife has a concern) checks are mostly only done if the mother is wanting to check progress. It doesn't really indicate anything and doesn't really make a difference once you've hit "Full term" either.

Again more risk/discomfort than anything...

@Frogger5 I'd say you hit it right on the head...

Frogger5 · April 2015

I just heard a story on the radio yesterday about how even when doctors know about current best practice, it still takes on average 10 - 15 years for it to become common practice. So, maybe it's sort of a new thing and eventually no one will really do it anymore? Or maybe not, I don't know!

Mommaswizz · April 2015

Emilywooddesign said:

Mommaswizz said:
From my L&D visit last week I learned it was not quite as easy as "getting fingered by my ob". It was pretty effing painful. But yea, it's my understanding that it becomes a part of appointments at 36 weeks
I went into labor and delivery also about 2 weeks ago and they did a pap type of test to check for enzymes to see if I was going into labor- it was the most painful thing that has happened to my vagina in my life ( so far)

Yessss they did that test on me too. I was borderline in tear like "uhhh is this supposed to hurt this much" and they nonchalantly responded "well it's not supposed to be comfortable" bahhhhhhh then they did the dilation check. In comparison the dilation was nothing. I never again want the other test.

saraelizabeth33 · April 2015

My midwives don't check. Like others have said, being dilated doesn't necessarily mean you will go into labor so they don't find it necessary to check.

dancegurl1118 · April 2015

To be honest when they start checking I will be more interested in my effacement than my dilation...if my cervix is thinned that means once labor actually does start it's already primed and ready to go! Women come in in labor with closed cervixes and after walking for a few hours are 4, and women are walking around for weeks at 3cm and still have to be induced. No real correlation before labor starts.

henrytviii · April 2015

Frogger5 said:

mellymar said:
I was wondering this, too. And I was also about to ask if they are no good for knowing when labor will start, why they do them at all, but then @henrytviii answered that before I could ask it
To me that's still not much of a reason. It doesn't matter after the potential for preterm labor has passed; once you're 36 weeks they aren't going to do anything to stop your labor, so who cares what you were last week if you're in active labor now? At that point, you can justify keeping track of the rate of change because it might guide your (or your doctor's) decision making. Before that, though, it seems like a lot of downside without much upside (really if any). Am I missing something?

It was explained to me by my previous doctor was that if you were at a zero, then went into the hospital a day or two later with steady contractions and were at a 2 or 3 they'll be more likely to keep you due to the quick changes, rather than send you home as not quite in labor. Makes no sense to me. I had one at almost 42 weeks to see is ANYTHING was happening and was not dilated or effaced one teeny tiny bit. Was holding a baby in my arms about 20 hours later. I was fine with being checked early once this time because I have been having a ton of BH contractions and had felt this awful low back pain and pelvic pressure the day before and I wanted to feel comfortable continuing to exercise. I'll be 35 weeks at my next appointment and plan to decline all cervical checks unless my new Doc has some really insightful reason. Seems meaningless and I don't want false hope or frustration as I move towards being overdue again.

Frogger5 · April 2015

henrytviii said:

Frogger5 said:

mellymar said:
I was wondering this, too. And I was also about to ask if they are no good for knowing when labor will start, why they do them at all, but then @henrytviii answered that before I could ask it
To me that's still not much of a reason. It doesn't matter after the potential for preterm labor has passed; once you're 36 weeks they aren't going to do anything to stop your labor, so who cares what you were last week if you're in active labor now? At that point, you can justify keeping track of the rate of change because it might guide your (or your doctor's) decision making. Before that, though, it seems like a lot of downside without much upside (really if any). Am I missing something?
It was explained to me by my previous doctor was that if you were at a zero, then went into the hospital a day or two later with steady contractions and were at a 2 or 3 they'll be more likely to keep you due to the quick changes, rather than send you home as not quite in labor. Makes no sense to me. I had one at almost 42 weeks to see is ANYTHING was happening and was not dilated or effaced one teeny tiny bit. Was holding a baby in my arms about 20 hours later. I was fine with being checked early once this time because I have been having a ton of BH contractions and had felt this awful low back pain and pelvic pressure the day before and I wanted to feel comfortable continuing to exercise. I'll be 35 weeks at my next appointment and plan to decline all cervical checks unless my new Doc has some really insightful reason. Seems meaningless and I don't want false hope or frustration as I move towards being overdue again.

Oh man, 42 weeks. Fingers crossed for you this time! Yeah, still doesn't make sense because if two DAYS ago you were at zero and now are 2cm, how do they know if it was fast or not? Sounds fishy. I also will need a compelling argument from the doc! (I can see wanting it done if I was post-term, though, like you said, just to see if anything was going on at all!)

rodriyessi94 · April 2015

Nikelizabeth said:
I'm glad you asked! I'm sick of shaving and not being checked lol Well I'm happy to not be checked because ouch! But it sucks shaving lol

Yes!!!!

Frogger5 · April 2015

rodriyessi94 said:

Nikelizabeth said:
I'm glad you asked! I'm sick of shaving and not being checked lol Well I'm happy to not be checked because ouch! But it sucks shaving lol
Yes!!!!

I really doubt your OB gives two craps about whether you shave or not.

Emilywooddesign · April 2015

I guess to me ( especially being a first time mom) it's somewhat exciting to know that your body is actually starting to prepare for birth- I can understand why it's kind of pointless but none the less I still think it's exciting to actually have the realization that this journey is coming to an end. You know what I mean?

Serenamarr · April 2015

I actually included in my birth plan that I don't want any vaginal exams prior to active labor, and after that only if there is a problem. Like many ladies have said, dilation and effacement are not accurate indicators of when labor will begin or how fast it will progress. So why do I want unnecessary bacteria being introduced repeatedly up there for no reason? No thanks.

estephoto · April 2015

If you are showing any signs of possibly dilating, then they will check. I've been having pre term labor symptoms the past few weeks and I'm now at 33 weeks.but normally at 36 weeks they start checking your cervix for dilation. And it is not a single finger they stick up there! They pretty much shove their whole hand and it is pretty uncomfortable and painful! Just a heads up!

KiwiMumof3 · April 2015

We don't get checked here unless there is reason to think labour has started. I was only checked twice while in labour last time and it wasn't painful. I guess when you are dialating it's less painful. I would say no to an internal unless I thought I was in labour. Seems intrusive for no real gain...

mlindzz · April 2015

My doctor checked my cervix at 31w6d, and it was a good thing she did.

I shared with me doctor a few symptoms that I had experienced that are often signs that baby could be coming within the following few weeks, not urgent things but there was more than one (feeling baby drop after walking, noticing an increase in my MP and an increase in Braxton hicks). After hearing these and having touched my belly during a Braxton hick and commenting on how 'tight' it was, she decided to check things. Lucky she did, I was 1cm dilated and 50 effaced already. This started a conversation that was very beneficial. We started talking about symptoms I needed to watch for that could be signs of preterm labour and that I would need to come to the hospital right away (these are very different then the generic information you read in books and online, because they're based on the assumption that you're full term).

I'm thankful to know in advance that I'm likely to deliver early, rather than finding out when I go into active labour sooner than 37 weeks.

eeyoreem · April 2015

They will have to do a strep b test though at some point to see if you need the antibiotics while in labor or is that no longer a thing.

Frogger5 · April 2015

MurLindzz said:
My doctor checked my cervix at 31w6d, and it was a good thing she did.

I shared with me doctor a few symptoms that I had experienced that are often signs that baby could be coming within the following few weeks, not urgent things but there was more than one (feeling baby drop after walking, noticing an increase in my MP and an increase in Braxton hicks). After hearing these and having touched my belly during a Braxton hick and commenting on how 'tight' it was, she decided to check things. Lucky she did, I was 1cm dilated and 50 effaced already. This started a conversation that was very beneficial. We started talking about symptoms I needed to watch for that could be signs of preterm labour and that I would need to come to the hospital right away (these are very different then the generic information you read in books and online, because they're based on the assumption that you're full term).

I'm thankful to know in advance that I'm likely to deliver early, rather than finding out when I go into active labour sooner than 37 weeks.

Could your doctor not have told you these super-secret signs of preterm labor without feeling your cervix? Despite you being somewhat dilated and effaced, doesn't sound like your doctor actually did anything about it. So how did the check help? Just that you know you MIGHT go into labor at some point before 37 weeks? We all might. No real news there.

laurendutch · April 2015

eeyoreem said:
They will have to do a strep b test though at some point to see if you need the antibiotics while in labor or is that no longer a thing.

My Dr still does the Strep B test but I don't remember it being as invasive as a cervix check. If I remember correctly it was more like a Pap smear.

taboullio84 · April 2015

estephoto said:
If you are showing any signs of possibly dilating, then they will check. I've been having pre term labor symptoms the past few weeks and I'm now at 33 weeks.but normally at 36 weeks they start checking your cervix for dilation. And it is not a single finger they stick up there! They pretty much shove their whole hand and it is pretty uncomfortable and painful! Just a heads up!

My doctor only used one finger... Lol

mlindzz · April 2015

Frogger5 said:

MurLindzz said:
My doctor checked my cervix at 31w6d, and it was a good thing she did.

I shared with me doctor a few symptoms that I had experienced that are often signs that baby could be coming within the following few weeks, not urgent things but there was more than one (feeling baby drop after walking, noticing an increase in my MP and an increase in Braxton hicks). After hearing these and having touched my belly during a Braxton hick and commenting on how 'tight' it was, she decided to check things. Lucky she did, I was 1cm dilated and 50 effaced already. This started a conversation that was very beneficial. We started talking about symptoms I needed to watch for that could be signs of preterm labour and that I would need to come to the hospital right away (these are very different then the generic information you read in books and online, because they're based on the assumption that you're full term).

I'm thankful to know in advance that I'm likely to deliver early, rather than finding out when I go into active labour sooner than 37 weeks.
Could your doctor not have told you these super-secret signs of preterm labor without feeling your cervix? Despite you being somewhat dilated and effaced, doesn't sound like your doctor actually did anything about it. So how did the check help? Just that you know you MIGHT go into labor at some point before 37 weeks? We all might. No real news there.

Because my cervix was checked, we also found a few other mild concerns that we were able to get treatment for. Without having done so, this could have effected baby's delivery, so although it might not have been necessary based on a few of the symptoms I shared, in my case I'm very happy my doctor checked.

Also the symptoms I was having could also have been just 'common' third trimester symptoms, but at least now I know things are actually progressing faster then I thought. Maybe it's because I was naive and shouldn't have just been assuming baby would arrive at closer to our due date. Anyways, I appreciated the dialogue she had with me and having heard those numbers really put things into perspective for me. Ive since decided to start maternity leave a few weeks sooner then I had planned, and while moving this weekend I stayed completely hands off and have made my best efforts to do everything I can to keep this bun in the over as long as I can. I've been listening much more to my body, and it's given me time to emotionally and mentally prepare for everything that comes with having a premature LO. I've also returned to the hospital since three times having had 3-4 minutes between contractions, and lemme tell you, those drives to the hospital were much less of a panic because I felt like I had a better idea of what might be happening.

So no regrets here. Although whether you decide to get checked or not, to each their own. Just sharing my experience!

lilitaliangirl · April 2015

taboullio84 said:

estephoto said:
If you are showing any signs of possibly dilating, then they will check. I've been having pre term labor symptoms the past few weeks and I'm now at 33 weeks.but normally at 36 weeks they start checking your cervix for dilation. And it is not a single finger they stick up there! They pretty much shove their whole hand and it is pretty uncomfortable and painful! Just a heads up!

My doctor only used one finger... Lol

Same here. In my opinion, it's uncomfortable, but not painful. Maybe I just have a gentle doctor. Lol

Want a personalized experience?

Dialation question

Re: Dialation question

Choose Another Board

Search Boards