Dilating at 33 Weeks

kidcapri100 · October 2015

Any STM's have experience with early dilation and effacement?
I went to my doc today (33 weeks) and was given a cervical exam due to my increased Braxton Hicks and history of short cervix. My doctor said I was a little more than 1cm dilated, my cervix was completely soft and very thin with less than 1cm left and the baby's head was right at my cervix (she could feel it). Doctor couldn't give me much insight other than it's unlikely I would make it full term but she would ideally like to see me make it another 2-3 weeks.
Additionally I was measuring over 3 weeks behind in fundal height so she ordered a growth scan to measure the baby and amniotic fluid (scheduled for Thursday). I've had a lot of fluid loss for most of my pregnancy however It was concluded to be from my progesterone suppositories, but I swear today it's been more than usual.
Was not put on bed rest and was told it's too late at this point for steroid shots since I am past 32 weeks.
Anyone have a similar story or any insight?? I was definitely not expecting this news today! I often hear of women being 1cm dilated for weeks but it seems to be towards full-term, not this early.

runningmama34 · October 2015

I don't have an real advice for you, but with my last daughter, I was 2 cm at 28 weeks and made it to 38 before delivering her:-). Hold that baby in:-).

NJPita22 · October 2015

My mom was 3cm dilated with my brother for 2 months maybe 3. She delivered him at 34 weeks. 34 weeks is pretty good 36 is better maybe put yourself on bed rest? You can definitely make it 2-3 weeks only 1cm dilated. Did she put you on pelvic rest? I would be more concerned about losing fluid it's extremely important the baby has enough fluid.

kmkaull2 · October 2015

I'm really surprised they didn't admit you for monitoring. I went to my regular appointment last week (31 weeks) and was 1cm and thinning. (I have a history of preterm labor @29 weeks last pregnancy and have BH all of the time.) They sent me to labor and delivery and kept me over night for monitoring. I was given Indocin to calm contractions and did get the steroids for baby's lungs. I was sent home on bedrest. I go back tomorrow to see if there's been any more progress, but anticipate I'll be on bedrest until 34-35 weeks. I'm also measuring about 4 weeks behind.

In my last pregnancy, I did walk around fully effaced and 4 cm dilated for almost a month. Baby was born at 37 weeks.

I guess my only advice is to take it easy if you can. Bedrest really keeps with my contractions. Some doctors don't believe in bedrest, but a few more weeks of baking is worth it to me.

kidcapri100 · October 2015

Thanks for all of your feedback and insight! Definitely makes me feel better!

I've been on pelvic rest since 15 weeks due to short cervix. I was on modified bed rest from 16-24 weeks from short cervix and a large sub chorionic bleed, however at 33 weeks my doctor didn't feel it was necessary. I was told to cut out the prenatal yoga and to take it easy, but bed rest was not prescribed.

@kmkaull2 Why do they think you are measuring behind? I'm a little worried about that as well as I have been measuring pretty much on target with each appointment so my doc was a little shocked that my measurement hasn't changed in 3 weeks. She's concerned I may have a slow fluid leak but I feel like that should show up on these swab tests?

I had a gush of fluid around 5pm tonight - more than what is usual with my progesterone to the point where my pants were wet. Given what we were told today at my doc appt, my husband forced us to pay a visit to L&D. So far they are thinking it may just be the long-term progesterone use however they are still running the gamut of tests. Also still 1cm dilated.

Btw...avoid cervical exams by residents in triage if you can! This has been my 3rd and it's SO painful compared to my OB! Maybe they just don't have "the touch" yet..! All I can say is ouch.

april172010U · October 2015

My dr. Begins checks at 34 weeks if no other complications. With my first two I was 100% effaced at 34 weeks and by 35 weeks with both dilated to a 3. I was induced with my first at 49 weeks 6 days, and my second I went into labor at 39 weeks 2 days. I think everyone's body is different. Don't be too worried, I'm sure your dr. Will advise you accordingly.

ColoradoHiker · October 2015

I don't have personal experience with this, but many moms on here talk about dilation not being an indicator of imminent labor. My best friend was 2cm dilated for weeks before she gave birth. Good luck!

nik6499 · October 2015

I was told prior to pregnancy that I'm always somewhat dilated and it's isn't uncommon in women who have had a baby

nram25 · October 2015

april172010U said:
My dr. Begins checks at 34 weeks if no other complications. With my first two I was 100% effaced at 34 weeks and by 35 weeks with both dilated to a 3. I was induced with my first at 49 weeks 6 days, and my second I went into labor at 39 weeks 2 days. I think everyone's body is different. Don't be too worried, I'm sure your dr. Will advise you accordingly.

Did you mean 39weeks and 6 days?

Mizuiro007 · October 2015

With my previous pregnancy I had no complications, had a routine cervical check at 36 weeks and was 60% effaced and I think 3cm dilated and DS's head was engaged. Another check at 40 weeks showed very little change and I was induced at 40+4 weeks, delivered 40+5. There was no bedrest, I moved around normally during that period of time.

Hopefully it goes similarly for you, that this is just a scare and baby will cook for a few more weeks.

colemak81 · October 2015

I'm surprised your Dr didn't admit you for morning. 2 weeks ago I was 30 weeks, dialated at 1cm, shortened cervix, and having contractions every 3 to 4 minutes. I was admitted into labor and delivery. I was on magnesium sulfate for 24 hrs and given nefedipine to control the contractions. I stayed there for 6 days of monitoring. I'm now 32 weeks today and on bedrest until delivery. I wil be taking nefedipine for 2 1\2 more weeks then I'm coming off. If I were you I would put myself on bedrest and take it easy....Take care of yourself☺

nik6499 · October 2015

Dilation alone isn't as concerning as contractions and dilation. If they admitted every one of us with some semblance of dilation they wouldn't have anywhere to put us

kidcapri100 · October 2015

@colemak81 My contractions weren't following any type of pattern - roughly 10-20 a day but at most maybe 3/hr.
I did get a chance to speak further with my doc as she called me on Thurs to see how I was feeling (um how nice is that?!) She's not as concerned with just the dilation, moreso the combination of the dilation, almost full effacement and engagement of the baby - add the contractions on top of that and it's apparently a recipe for pre-term labor. Luckily I am not rapidly dilating and my contractions are relatively unpredictable. She felt my chances of making it to early term (she considers 35-36 weeks) were strong but she doesn't feel a 40 week baby is likely.
Honestly this pregnancy has been a roller coaster and I'm just happy to almost be 34 weeks at this point, when 18 weeks ago we weren't sure if I'd make it to 24! Every day is a blessing at this point and I count my lucky stars.

313Meg · October 2015

I'm 30 wks .5cm and slightly open. They aren't worried. I walked around last pregnancy 3cm for 3-4 weeks and almost completely effaced. Resting will be helpful to reduce bh though typically those aren't what cause dilation. Increase your water as I'm sure they told you, and take it super easy.
The longer baby is in, the better... As we all know that!

Want a personalized experience?

Dilating at 33 Weeks

Re: Dilating at 33 Weeks

Choose Another Board

Search Boards