Very excited and really nervous...also what does this mean?

[babymakes3]

Hi!
I just got back from my OB appt. This is the first one where we've checked my cervix. She said I'm 3 cm dilated and baby's head is way down (I didn't realize he had dropped. yay!) So now I'm VERY VERY EXCITED!!!! Of course she also said women can go weeks dilated at 3cm. I'm ignoring that part though. LOL
I'm also getting super nervous though. Its really setting in that Oh Crap this baby has to come out!! LOL I know its natural and our bodies are made for childbirth and all that. But as a FTM I'm still really nervous.
I'm not really having any contractions that I know of. I get some pains in my stomach, but I don't know if they're ctrx or not. And for the past couple of weeks I've been getting some cramps that are like period cramps.

I have a question also. She said I'm 3cm and 50%. What does the 50% mean? I forgot to ask her b/c I had so many other questions that I wanted to ask.

Thanks!

[Muggins&Doody]

That's awesome! I am an early dilator too. I am usually 3cm by 36 weeks and 4cm by 39 weeks. So yes, you can walk around for awhile at 3 or 4cm dilated, but that means that you have that much less to go when you're in labor, which is good because some women really work hard to get to 3cm! Hopefully you'll have a somewhat quick labor (my last one where I started out at 4cm was only 3 hours). 50% means you're 50% effaced. Effacement refers to the thickness or thinness of your cervix. Effacement is measured by percentage, with 0% being a thick and hard cervix and 100% being a very soft thin cervix that is "gone." So it sounds like you're on your way!!

[maranapanda]

lurking from March DDC..

With my DD#1, I was 2cm and 90% for about 2.5 weeks. It was very exciting for like the first week. Then it was just lame. Hard to be patient when you know you are so so so close! I hope that your experience is much different! Good birthing luck to you!

Amanda

[~Heyokha~]

Originally Posted by babymakes3

I'm also getting super nervous though. Its really setting in that Oh Crap this baby has to come out!! LOL I know its natural and our bodies are made for childbirth and all that. But as a FTM I'm still really nervous.

I was thinking the same thing last night!! I know it sounds silly but I just started thinking how big my belly is and this baby has to come out!

It's so exciting though. My Mw doesnt do routine prenatal vag exams but I would love to know if I am dialated or effaced. It is just crazy to think we could go anytime now.... I'm 37 weeks tomorrow!

[frenchie]

My SIL walked around dialated at 4 and 50% effaced for the last month. Get this, when she had the baby, she was "feeling well"...didn't know she was having contractions!! It took her hours before she could convince my brother to take her to the hospital. Niether one of them thought she was in labor, but she thought she was getting sick. Anyhow, they got to the hospital, and turned out she was 7 cm and fully effaced! They broke her waters and within the hour she was ready to push....pushed for about 20 minutes and had the baby.

[babymakes3]

Thanks ladies! BTW- I think I lost my mucus plug this morning. I had some bloody mucus looking stuff when I went to the bathroom a couple times this morning. But no contractions or water breaking yet. It did convince me to finally pack my hospital bag though. LOL

[MonTana Mama]

YEA!!! Reall soon now!