2cms dilated at 35 weeks. Is this common?

[gamitzer]

We went to my wife's first internal OB appointment today and they said she is 2cms dilated, 50% effaced, and the baby is in -2 station. I know what all these things mean, but I'm wondering how common this is for a mother in week 35.

We've heard that women can go for months at 2cms dilated, but then other people tell us it means the baby will be here earlier than expected. I'd love to hear your experiences/what you've heard. Thanks!

[marisa]

I usually am 2 cms by week 33. and about 75% effaced by wk 38. I've never given birth before 40.5 weeks!

[scheelimama]

I don't think it means anything. I was 3 cm. dialated by 37 weeks with #1, but didn't have her until 41+ weeks.

[*Lindsey*]

I was never checked before I had DS. The week before my due date with DD I was 5cm and 75% effaced. She was born on her due date!

People say not to put much stock into it, b/c you can walk around for weeks dilated and effaced, or be nothing and go into labor that day. :

I always look at it as part of the work is done already, so hooray!

[Curlita]

A friend of mine and I were in prenatal yoga together with about the same due date. Three weeks before she gave birth she was at 4 cm and they were thinking it might be any day. Three days before I gave birth (and 36 hours before my water broke) my cervix was completely closed and tight as a drum.

If I were you, I'd take the piece of information and just store it away, because I don't know that it "means" anything at this point.

[GinaRae]

I honestly feel like you should use the cervical checks sparingly if you must have them and ignore the info. Honest! It's such a range of possibilities and usually means absolutely nothing at all.

Unless she were to show up one day 6cm dilated and in labor but didn't know it, at 35 weeks your wife could go today or not go into labor until 42 weeks and the 2cm dilation means nothing in that equation.

[Valerieg]

ITA with the PPs. She could be 2-3 cm until 42 weeks...or go tonight. Cervical checks really tell you nothing. A friend of mine was even 6 cm and the OB told her to go ahead and go home and get ready but she still had time even from then!!! I don't think she gave birth for another day or two.

[Isaac'sMa]

Originally Posted by *Lindsey*

I always look at it as part of the work is done already, so hooray!

That's a good way to think about it, although that doesn't mean that labor will be any easier or shorter!

I think it's normal to be partly dilated/effaced for a while before the baby comes. It doesn't mean much one way or the other.

[Ackray]

I don't think it's common. But it doesn't really mean anything either. With my DD2 I was 2 cm at 34 6/7 weeks and born the next day. With DD1 I was 2 cm at 35 weeks and she was born at 36.

[*GreenMama*]

I was at 1 cm the week before I gave birth... at 35 weeks. But I was also told I could be that way for months so its really just all about her body/your baby.

[gamitzer]

Thanks for all the replies! Her mom never made it past 35 weeks with her or her siblings, so they (she and her mom) were both a bit nervous after hearing she was 2cm already. Her pregnancy has been so different from her mom's pregnancies so far that we figure this will be a full term baby, but I just wanted to check. I can always depend on you all for some answers.

[crunchywannabe]

just wanted to add another BTDT

I have been 4cm dilated and 90% effaced for 4 weeks in my last 3-4 pregnancies.
never went early, had to be induced for medical reasons at term! LOL

then with my first baby, I was 0cm and no effacement the day before I delivered! you just never know! LOL


Hope that is some more reassurance-and tell her that is less she has to do with real labor!