I'm now 37.5 wks and 3 cm! YEAH!!!

I was induced for DD so I never experienced labor...not even contractions, I woke up in a contration and withing seconds was pushing. She was born after 3 pushes.

I know you can sit at a few cm for several weeks before delivery. But how many cm is when it really starts working?

I went from "soft cervix" to 2 cm in 2 wks and now 3 cm since last week. My contractions are not regular, but they are daily and sometimes quite a few at a time. So I know I will continue to expand. How big can you get before labor actually kicks in?

I'm just so excited that I am even dilating. I never got past a softened cervix w/ DD, so I am just bursting with anticipation.

What was your largest measurement before real contractions started?

TIA!

By Boxzgrl on Monday, January 24, 2005 - 12:38 pm:

I was checked at 38 weeks and was 3 cm. I went into labor that same night.

By My2cuties on Monday, January 24, 2005 - 12:39 pm:

I was induced with both of my dd's. Sounds like it won't be too much longer now. Good for you!! CONGRATULATIONS!!!

By Kernkate on Monday, January 24, 2005 - 12:45 pm:

I had 3 sections and never went into labor or dialated, so I can't be of any help Just want to say Best of Luck and hope it will be soon!

By Christylee on Monday, January 24, 2005 - 12:54 pm:

My advice is if you want to go into labor is to walk, walk, and walk some more. Go to a mall and window shop, walk around your block (if it's not to cold) just get walking!

I had been on bedrest with my son from December until the end of January for preterm labor, FINALLY on January 27th he said if I went into labor they wouldn't stop it. Guess what? NOTHING, not even a contraction until February 6th, I went in on the 8th at 2 cm the nurse told me to walk so I did. I walked all morning on the 9th, went in at 5:00pm on the 9th and he was born at 10:43p. 3 pushes and he was here, my sister did the same thing and it helped her dilate as well.

Can't wait to hear the news of the arrival!

By Mrsheidi on Monday, January 24, 2005 - 12:54 pm:

I went into labor with 0 cm...LOL! He was a week overdue and, while I was 100% effaced, I only dilated to 5 cm before they decided a C-section. There was some myconium and his neck was wrapped with the cord, so it was a good decision. Although, I don't think I'll EVER forget those contractions!! I had an epidural at 3 cm! LOL! I'm such a wuss.
I heard one can be dilated for a long time though...I hope that's NOT your case!
GOOD LUCK!!!

By Pamt on Monday, January 24, 2005 - 12:56 pm:

I had been at 5cm for 2 weeks before I was finally induced with my 2nd, so I got to 5 w/o knowing it and has low amniotic fluid, so I never got to see when my labor would REALLY start on its own. Walking around at 5 cm I kept telling my doctor I was worried that if I sneezed too hard that the baby would fall out. It's all a waiting game. Hang in there---can't wait to hear the news!!!

By Children03 on Monday, January 24, 2005 - 02:13 pm:

I was at 5 cm before I really had strong contractions and actually new I was in labor. The doctor was going to send me home if I had not at least reached 5 cm. Keep us posted and good luck - I know you are so ready.

I also sat at 3 cm for several weeks and thought I would go early but that didn't happen.

By Breann on Monday, January 24, 2005 - 03:32 pm:

I was also at about 5cm before I got uncomfortable with the contractions.

You are already in the early stages of labor Start walk, walk , walking! That will help speed things alon!

By Dana on Monday, January 24, 2005 - 03:51 pm:

Thanks for sharing your stories. And oh, poop....5 cm! At this rate that is another possible 2 wks putting me right on schedule, LOL. Walking around w/ a 5 cm whole between the world and my baby sounds pretty scary. Pam that same thought of having the baby fall out hits my feelings on the right on the head. I hate sneezing now as it is. My silly DD comes running everytime I sneeze cause I hate them so much I let out a huge AHHHCHOOO hoping to divert the energy away from my belly.

At least with this baby I get to experience the full birthing. I felt cheated never having gone thru the labor.

By Dana on Monday, January 24, 2005 - 03:56 pm:

Can you still have intercourse at this point? I know they say doing it encourages labor, but would 3 cm be an issue? And what about having an orgasm? Could that be troublesome? We took it that far a couple weeks ago, but I'm afraid to do that again. It was quite intense and I could feel that baby pushing down. Wouldn't want to have him right in bed with us! (I forgot to ask my dr those questions while I was there)

By Kaye on Monday, January 24, 2005 - 04:05 pm:

It was my understanding that you could have intercourse up until your water breaks. Orgasms can bring on labor, so I say go for it! You won't likely have your baby right in bed with you. It may send you to the hospital, but most labors take at least 3-4 hours.

By Kayleesmommy on Monday, January 24, 2005 - 05:56 pm:

I was at 4 cm when I started getting contractions. I never knew what I was before that but I know I was larger than the normal size. I was exactly 38 weeks when I had Kaylee.

By Hollydollyc on Tuesday, January 25, 2005 - 08:56 am:

With my last daughter I was at 1 cm for the doctor visit then the next day I went into labor and after a couple hours labor at home I made it to the hospital and she was born 2 hrs later. Some women go from 1 cm to 10 in a hurry and others take weeks. It sounds like you will have a new little one very soon! Congratulations!!!

By Pixie on Tuesday, January 25, 2005 - 09:48 am:

I was 4 cm. 90% effaced and in a minus one position for a week. I walked like crazy but she came when she was ready. Everyone will be different. I went into labor with both of my children ON their due dates....though after it was all said and done they were born the day after their dates but I always thought that was neat sitting in the hospital both times on the predicted date!