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Effacement
Added: 106 days ago.
Added by: brit
Section: Pregnancy.
Status: This question is Closed. (Questions will be closed after 10 days.)


I was checked by my doctor today and I am 80% effaced but I am not dilated. Is this normal? Does that mean I could go into labor soon?

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Brandi J. - 100 days ago Rating: 0 (0 votes) yes this is normal, and no it doesn't mean that you "will" go into labor soon, it just means that you could! Everybody is different, I have gone from nothing to fully dialated and ready to push in just a few hours and have had friends be 5 cm dialated and have to be induced. Just know that no matter what, you will hold that precious little one soon!

Debra - 103 days ago Rating: 0 (0 votes) yes and no. You can be effaced and dilated for weeks. it doesn't really mean anything. My midwife never checked me during the end and I was glad! It hurt when she did it during labour, and thats when it means something to you. Being dilated and effaced now is normal, but you can be that way for weeks. I really don't see the point in this practice of doctors doing this to women at this point. As far as I can see, it only causes anxiety. You are more likely to know if labour is imminent if you start to loose your mucous plug (which can also happen early and doesn't mean anything) or have bloody show- which happens a few days before labour begins. Pay attention to braxton hicks contractions (which can be painful and occur when you are dehydrated as the uterus becomes irritated), drink water if they become more regular. If they don't go away, then you are in labour. To Encourage the onstart of labour and further dilation, walk a lot or exercise if possible. Also, my midwife recommended i take evening primrose oil in the last week. I took it orally (4 caps) and inserted 4 caps into my vagina every night. Its a natural prostiglandin- the hormone that is responsible for making your cervix soft.

jah-baby - 104 days ago Rating: 0 (0 votes) kinda weird but if ur not dilating then i dont think so

magali - 105 days ago Rating: 0 (0 votes) every woman is differen i was 80% effaced and 4 cm for 1 month!

mommy-of-3 - 105 days ago Rating: 0 (0 votes) This doesn't mean that you will go into labor soon (not saying that isn't an option). It's not uncommon for some women to be effaced and dialated to say a 1 or even a 2 and be stuck that way for weeks. Your doctor should monitor your progress but there's no reason for you to worry.

mercy - 105 days ago Rating: 0 (0 votes) I was 90% effaced and three cm dilated with my daughter for like three weeks and was two days pass my due date when I had her.

kayleighrobo - 105 days ago Rating: 0 (0 votes) my midwife told me it doesnt matter if your effaced or dialated,because your body will work exstremley hard when in labour you could be walking around for months being 80% effaced and not go into labour it just means your labour will be easier because your cervix has thinned out i wouldnt worryx

holly28 - 106 days ago Rating: 4 (1 votes) I don't think you can really tell by all of this. My friend was both fairly effaced and dilated and was having contractions off and on for over two weeks until she had hers. Sadly, no matter how much we may want baby to hurry up baby will come whenever he/she feels like it and no sooner.

captshelley - 106 days ago Rating: 3 (1 votes) I was not dilated at all on the 12th and I went into labor on the 13th. My friend was dilated at 2 cm for 2 weeks. Never can tell girl.

Mommyof2boys - 106 days ago Rating: 3 (2 votes) dilation is the amount the cervix has opened and effacement is how much it has shortened. As the cervix gets ready for labor, first time moms tend to efface first, while second and later pregnancies usually start with dilation.

Darianna - 106 days ago Rating: 2 (1 votes) I heard that it was normal, but I had a C-Section!! I am also surprised that you are not dilated! I should say that with walking and squats you should start! Maybe even try sex if you are allowed!! It Might Help!! Good Luck and God Bless!!

mattie4 - 106 days ago Rating: 2 (1 votes) yes it is normal, and yes you will probably have your baby soon. :) good luck

mzmommy2b - 106 days ago Rating: 2 (1 votes) That is perfectly fine. After your cervix is effaced 100%, dialation will probably come quickly since the babies head will be resting directly on your cervix putting pressure on it.

LMO - 106 days ago Rating: 2 (1 votes) when you are effaced that means your cervix is thinning and you are getting ready. you can always be effaced before dilating

Carmione - 106 days ago Rating: 4.8 (4 votes) it is possible for you to go soon- but every womans cervix's strength and elasticity is different and will progress at different speeds. I wish there was a template or cookie cutter answer that fit us all sometimes with questions like this. You're in week 36 so you're sitting at a good gestation timeline so far should you go into labor like today or tomorrow if you were concerned about baby being to early. If you're worried or anxious just try to relax, nature is going to take it course- come what may! Best wishes to you and yours!