I had my 36 weeks appointment yesterday and now I am completely freaking out. I am 4-5cm dilated and my doctor told me that my water is just waiting to break. She told me no more cervical checks (or sex) unless I want the day to come that night.
While I have everything ready, I was not prepared to hear "4 or maybe 5" I seriously thought she would say 1-1.5.
I figured they would hurt being that I have been on pelvic rest for 8 months but maybe it has more to do with where the individuals cervix is sitting. i know when we do paps in the office some are more uncomfortable than others for people due to having a tilted or irritated cervix. Typically tho when he checks people after 46 weeks i never see a look of discomfort on people's faces.
I'm assuming 46 is a typo because that's a long tone to be pregnant, but I agree. I've assisted several different providers with paps and the one I worked with prior to December was so good that many women barely felt the four swabs after inserting the speculum. Now I'm a little nervous about having to get checked.
Do we *have* to get checked? I've had no cervical checks and I don't think there are any planned for future appointments either. From my little understanding of this, it doesn't necessarily predict labor or change management ...?
Nope, you can decline. The only reason I did/ do is because I am high risk and it helps determine how favorable an induction might be, as it is a possibility for me.
Yesterday, I was checked and at 1cm, 0% effaced, but very soft cervix. So already in a better spot than I was with DS (I was induced with him). OB also mentioned that she does not want me to go past 40 weeks and will consider induction at 39. So 2-3 more weeks to go, MAX. Baby can stay in until 40, I'm good with that, at the same time, I'd really like to avoid an induction this time.
Had my appointment yesterday at 36w5d and I was 1cm dilated and 25% effaced. Not as much as my Dr wanted, but she said thankfully it is progress, so things are happening and that's good news.
And regarding some of your comments, I also didn't find cervical checks painful at all. It didn't feel 'great!!!' but I wouldn't call it uncomfortable. I found my strep B swab more uncomfortable...
at my first cervical check last week (36w3d) I was not dilated at all so started taking EPO. I lost a chunk of mucus plug last night and had a lot of clear watery discharge. next appointment is tomorrow so I'm hoping that means we've made a little progress!
@thaisac1 I'm with a midwife group at a large hospital and their standard is they won't do cervical checks until I hit 40 weeks, and that's only to know the stats so we can discuss back up plans if I get to 42 without labor coming on it's own.
Had my first check at 38+1 on Monday, I was only checked because I'm getting induced monday night. Just over 1cm, 50% effaced, soft, and cervix is moving forward into postion. Baby isn't now or engaged yet
@thaisac1 I haven't even been offered but plan on refusing unless/until they start talking about induction just so I know how favorable my cervix is. I'm also preparing myself to go to 42 weeks as long as she stays happy in there.
My OB/MW practice doesn't do them unless there's a specific reason for concern. Today I asked again about this odd, low pressure I feel and how I could swear the baby is past my stomach and in my vagina as of 30 weeks. In the past, the doctor told me I'm just feeling "the echo of other movements" and not an actual movement in my upper vagina area.
Today at 35 weeks I insisted that I have had my hand on the upper outside area, around where the top of the public hairline is, and felt the baby pushing me. I was like "if that's normal, great, but please don't tell me it isn't happening!" So she did a cervix check and found it's still closed, but in fact his head is literally RIGHT THERE and the movement I'm feeling is him putting his hands by his head, too. It felt nice to know I'm not completely nuts, complaining of vagina-baby-probz at every appointment!
My ob checked me yesterday and all she said was that she could fit her pinky into my cervix, which was pretty awkward feeling. What kind of measurement is "I can fit my pinky in there??" I'm 39 weeks today and DYING to go into labor. She instructed me to start the evening primrose oil treatment to help get things started.
Last Friday I was closed up. Went yesterday and I'm at 5cm. I haven't had any contractions that I'm aware of. I'm 37 weeks, hope baby stays put for another couple of weeks.
I am 37 weeks 1 day and am dialed 4 cm, 85% effaced and at +1 station! Even though my due date isn't until April 14th my doctor thinks she'll be here between now and Wednesday! I can't wait to meet our Emily Grace!
36+3, 1cm 50 % effaced. Bit worried my waters may have broken this morning.,noted the hour see where it goes
@shani12345 what do you mean your water "may" have broken?If there's really a chance, you should get checked out sooner rather than later. Amniotic fluid should be clear and odorless, and if it was just a little, should continue to leak out.
Amanda
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Nov siggy challenge: animals eating Thanksgiving food
36+3, 1cm 50 % effaced. Bit worried my waters may have broken this morning.,noted the hour see where it goes
@shani12345 what do you mean your water "may" have broken?If there's really a chance, you should get checked out sooner rather than later. Amniotic fluid should be clear and odorless, and if it was just a little, should continue to leak out.
Hi!! yes, i waited a bit to see if it continued. I got checked out yesterday and they were intact. Turns out the leakage stopped completely.
I'm 38 weeks and 2 weeks ago I was 2cm dilated/ 70% effaced. I get checked again on Tuesday @shani12345 have they tested you for group B strep? If not make sure they do. It sounds like exactly what happened to me. Twice. You may have had a small amount a leakage which wasn't detected by the swab, which isn't a big deal...unless you are group b positive. I am under constant monitoring now for exactly that. It's happened with both my pregnancies now. First one resulted in PROM at 35 weeks. This one I leaked a very, very small amount at around the same time- 35 weeks- but it wasn't detected by swab and there was no further leakage after that so they let it be. But if I even have a drop of fluid again I need to go straight back to L&D so I can get the antibiotics asap. For me, and a lot of people actually, amniotic fluid has a very distinct bleach-like smell (think: semen), so it's very, very obvious. Like, unmistakeable/ you'll smell it before you see it. I guess it would be much trickier to detect if it was odorless, which it can be too.
Had my appointment last Tuesday and have my next appointment tomorrow. Last week was dilated 1cm and 25% effaced. Lost my plug on Saturday. We'll see if that made any difference...
Was five last Thursday, still five today. Doc said I can walk around like this for weeks or I can go into labor today so who knows. She did mention that if I start feeling contractions or my water breaks to not hesitate and come in right away since I'm already half way there.
I was "softening and a fingertip dilated" at my 37 week checkup. Going back on Friday and will know more. Started inserting and taking evening primrose oil this week so that may assist the effacing, who knows. Feeling good!
1cm dilated, 80% effaced, -2 station. Doctor complemented me on my amazing cervix and gave me a high five and congratulated me on my cervix again as she left the room. That was almost a week ago. I'm 39w2d now and I think he really wants out today!
Haven't been checked for dilation yet since I just hit 35 weeks last Friday, but for you ladies who are anxious and not dilated yet, with my first I wasn't dilated at my 37 week appt. Then the day after I hit 38 weeks I went from 0 to 8 cm in five hours. I had started feeling pain in my back at 2:40am and by 8 there was a little pink blood then just subtle pain off and on. I finally called my obgyn and they had me go in to the hospital to be checked. I was having contractions every ten minutes, but was 0 dilated so sent home. Was back about five hours later in transition! So you never know!
Just got back from the doctor (39w3). All the false labor took me to 3cm and since the OB is out of town all next week, we decided to schedule an induction. I go in Thursday at 7am to break my water and go from there pending hospital space and no actual labor in the meantime. We'll see, if he's slow we may still have our April Fool's baby!
Just got back from the doctor (39w3). All the false labor took me to 3cm and since the OB is out of town all next week, we decided to schedule an induction. I go in Thursday at 7am to break my water and go from there pending hospital space and no actual labor in the meantime. We'll see, if he's slow we may still have our April Fool's baby!
Genuine question - why the induction?
In the UK, we don't do cervical checks at all, and they only start membrane sweeps once you're past 40 weeks. Inductions categorically do not take place until minimum 10-12 days after your due date. Obviously if there's medical reason eg pre-eclampsia/placenta concerns etc that's different.
I've noticed on a lot of threads and on many BMBs, that US based women are getting sweeps/drug-induced inductions from 38/39weeks plus. Obviously there's a difference in healthcare policy and approach between the two countries but I'm interested in the reasons why US doctors are happy to induce a lot earlier than ours.
edit: on a personal note - I'm so ready for my baby to come out now as I'm in active pain most of the time so am slightly jealous of your system! Academically interested in the differences between healthcare approaches.
Today at exactly 38 weeks I was 3 cm and 75% effaced. Lost my mucus plug a week ago! They scheduled a 39 week check up with little confidence I will make it until then. Hopefully that's right! Trying to walk a ton this week, and still doing my squats everyday to coax him out.
Just got back from the doctor (39w3). All the false labor took me to 3cm and since the OB is out of town all next week, we decided to schedule an induction. I go in Thursday at 7am to break my water and go from there pending hospital space and no actual labor in the meantime. We'll see, if he's slow we may still have our April Fool's baby!
Genuine question - why the induction?
In the UK, we don't do cervical checks at all, and they only start membrane sweeps once you're past 40 weeks. Inductions categorically do not take place until minimum 10-12 days after your due date. Obviously if there's medical reason eg pre-eclampsia/placenta concerns etc that's different.
I've noticed on a lot of threads and on many BMBs, that US based women are getting sweeps/drug-induced inductions from 38/39weeks plus. Obviously there's a difference in healthcare policy and approach between the two countries but I'm interested in the reasons why US doctors are happy to induce a lot earlier than ours.
edit: on a personal note - I'm so ready for my baby to come out now as I'm in active pain most of the time so am slightly jealous of your system! Academically interested in the differences between healthcare approaches.
The biggest reason is because my doctor is going to be out of town all next week (first I could see him again is 41w3), and I'm more comfortable doing an induction a couple days before my due date than having to decide what to do with a doctor I haven't met and who doesn't know my history with DD (IUGR due to placental failure). If he was going to be here, I'd be waiting to decide anything until at least next week. The clinic/hospital policy is no elective inductions before 39 weeks (then only if the cervix is favorable) and recommend induction at/by 42 weeks. When I go in Thursday, they'll break my waters and my OB thinks that with as dilated/soft as I am and how much false labor I've had, that will probably be enough to kick-start labor, so hopefully still no drugs needed for induction. That said, I had pitocin to combat stalled labor with DD and reacted really well to it, so if I do end up needing it, I'm not worried. I've also always planned on an epidural, so the choice to induce doesn't endanger a plan for a med-free birth either, so that helped make the decision easier.
38 weeks. Still at 1cm dilated (same as last week) and 60% effaced. My Doctor asked, since there was no progress, if I wanted to discuss induction. I said I wasn't opposed to it. We went ahead and scheduled me to be induced on 4/12 that evening, but next week we will really take a look at if I'm progressing or not. The induction schedule is really a 'back up' so that I don't go too long and risk him being too big. I'm good with this option, knowing that we have a plan in case baby doesn't come on his own before 40 weeks...
36w4d yesterday and had my GBS done. Since I'm a C Section I could have opted out if I wanted to, but I decided to do it anyway. They also don't really check for dilation for C Sections either but I asked her, since she was down there if she could check anyway. She said I was only a half centimeter dilated, or fingertip. Meh. Well looks like this baby is going to stay snug and tucked away for another two weeks.
I'm 38w & 4d. Due the 9th. Dilated a 1.5. Baby is head down but facing my right side. Doc thinks ill have to have a C-section with my some-what small heart shaped pelvic. She would like to induce me on my due date. should i wait it out a bit longer?
38 weeks and 2 cm. Not very effaced but apparently "very favorable". I know dilation doesn't mean much, but after a few hours of off and on contractions this weekend, it's nice that at least a little progress was made!
From last week to this week: I went from 1cm, 0% effacement, very soft to a "wiggly" 1cm, 30-40% effaced, and still very soft. Normally my OB would only check at 36, 18, and 40 weeks (I just learned that), but since I have a high chance of needing an induction again, she wanted to check again this week to see how favorable I am. I really have this feeling that baby will come on her own next week - no idea why though, ha. DH said the same thing though, so we'll see. OB will likely induce on April 11 or 12 if baby doesn't come on her own before then. Due date is April 14.
39 weeks and they wanted to check me - 2 cm dilated. It took me 12 hours of labor to get there with DD so I'm happy about that. They also said they would feel comfortable inducing me shortly after 40 weeks since all of my scans and measurements have always been right on track since day 1 - DH goes back to taking call when I hit 41 weeks so am happy we will have a few days if baby stays stubborn!
Well doctor says I'm almost 2 cm dilated and 60 % effaced! He stripped my membranes (not as uncomfortable as I thought it'd be) and seems to think he will be seeing me soon! Come on baby!
Re: Dilation Check-In...
I had my 36 weeks appointment yesterday and now I am completely freaking out. I am 4-5cm dilated and my doctor told me that my water is just waiting to break. She told me no more cervical checks (or sex) unless I want the day to come that night.
While I have everything ready, I was not prepared to hear "4 or maybe 5" I seriously thought she would say 1-1.5.
**** Formerly Snoflakes4eva****
Yesterday, I was checked and at 1cm, 0% effaced, but very soft cervix. So already in a better spot than I was with DS (I was induced with him). OB also mentioned that she does not want me to go past 40 weeks and will consider induction at 39. So 2-3 more weeks to go, MAX. Baby can stay in until 40, I'm good with that, at the same time, I'd really like to avoid an induction this time.
And regarding some of your comments, I also didn't find cervical checks painful at all. It didn't feel 'great!!!' but I wouldn't call it uncomfortable. I found my strep B swab more uncomfortable...
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Today at 35 weeks I insisted that I have had my hand on the upper outside area, around where the top of the public hairline is, and felt the baby pushing me. I was like "if that's normal, great, but please don't tell me it isn't happening!" So she did a cervix check and found it's still closed, but in fact his head is literally RIGHT THERE and the movement I'm feeling is him putting his hands by his head, too. It felt nice to know I'm not completely nuts, complaining of vagina-baby-probz at every appointment!
I'm 39 weeks today and DYING to go into labor. She instructed me to start the evening primrose oil treatment to help get things started.
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Nov siggy challenge: animals eating Thanksgiving food
Rhys - born 04.17.2013
Harry - born 04.18.2016
@shani12345 have they tested you for group B strep? If not make sure they do. It sounds like exactly what happened to me. Twice. You may have had a small amount a leakage which wasn't detected by the swab, which isn't a big deal...unless you are group b positive. I am under constant monitoring now for exactly that. It's happened with both my pregnancies now. First one resulted in PROM at 35 weeks. This one I leaked a very, very small amount at around the same time- 35 weeks- but it wasn't detected by swab and there was no further leakage after that so they let it be. But if I even have a drop of fluid again I need to go straight back to L&D so I can get the antibiotics asap. For me, and a lot of people actually, amniotic fluid has a very distinct bleach-like smell (think: semen), so it's very, very obvious. Like, unmistakeable/ you'll smell it before you see it. I guess it would be much trickier to detect if it was odorless, which it can be too.
In the UK, we don't do cervical checks at all, and they only start membrane sweeps once you're past 40 weeks.
Inductions categorically do not take place until minimum 10-12 days after your due date.
Obviously if there's medical reason eg pre-eclampsia/placenta concerns etc that's different.
I've noticed on a lot of threads and on many BMBs, that US based women are getting sweeps/drug-induced inductions from 38/39weeks plus.
Obviously there's a difference in healthcare policy and approach between the two countries but I'm interested in the reasons why US doctors are happy to induce a lot earlier than ours.
edit: on a personal note - I'm so ready for my baby to come out now as I'm in active pain most of the time so am slightly jealous of your system! Academically interested in the differences between healthcare approaches.
When I go in Thursday, they'll break my waters and my OB thinks that with as dilated/soft as I am and how much false labor I've had, that will probably be enough to kick-start labor, so hopefully still no drugs needed for induction. That said, I had pitocin to combat stalled labor with DD and reacted really well to it, so if I do end up needing it, I'm not worried. I've also always planned on an epidural, so the choice to induce doesn't endanger a plan for a med-free birth either, so that helped make the decision easier.
We went ahead and scheduled me to be induced on 4/12 that evening, but next week we will really take a look at if I'm progressing or not.
The induction schedule is really a 'back up' so that I don't go too long and risk him being too big.
I'm good with this option, knowing that we have a plan in case baby doesn't come on his own before 40 weeks...
It's a boy! Grow baby, grow! EDD: 4/22/2016