RE: How long can I stay dilated at three centimeters???
Jessica,
My story is different from PPs. I dilated more each week after my first internal exam at 36 weeks. At my 39(39w 1day) week appointment I was about 4 cent. I went into labor the next day and was 5.5 cent when I got to the hospital. I delivered Gabrielle 5 days early and had a quick labor and delivery. So, your early dilation could mean that the little one could make a 2004 appearance.
RE: How long can I stay dilated at three centimeters???
Well I was 2-3 cm from 36 weeks on. In week 39-40, my doc stripped my membranes. I got up to 4 cm. The night before my scheduled induction (week 41), I started having contractions. I was admitted at 6 cm. I was at ten and pushing about 4-5 hrs later. Unfortunately, after hours of pushing, I had to have a c-section. But I did make it all the way to ten cms without pitocin pretty quickly once the contractions started. Good luck with whatever baby decides to do!!!
Tasha
Tori (3/11/04)
RE: How long can I stay dilated at three centimeters???
Not sure re: your question. But just a little reassurance in case you do go soon: my second was born at 35 weeks and 6 days (so even a few days before you are now) and did really well! He was over 5 lbs. and left the hospital with me! : ) So "happy new baby" whenever baby decides to come.
RE: How long can I stay dilated at three centimeters???
I went from 1 cm at 33 weeks to 4 cm at 36 weeks. By 36 weeks they were seeing me 2 times a week and were surprised each time I made it back into the office and started to push for me to be induced (I had a fast labor last time). They induced me at 37 weeks and after 2 hours on pitocin, nothing, nada. They borke my water and I went from 4 cm to 10 cm in twenty minutes and Meghan was out 4 pushes later.
Allison
~ mama to Declan 3.24.03 and Meghan 8.26.04
RE: How long can I stay dilated at three centimeters???
better news from me!! my schedule was:
36 weeks-75% effaced
37 weeks-90% effaced, -2 station
38 weeks- 95% effaced, 2cms dialated, 0 station
38 weeks, 6 days-delivered in 11 hours (did have some pitocin but went into labor on my own) with about 1/2 hour to 45 min of pushing
i was 3cms when i got to the hospital.
also, i had major cramping and tons of braxton hicks from tuesday to saturday (schuyler was born on a sunday) and bloody show appeared on friday.
RE: How long can I stay dilated at three centimeters???
>Jessica,
>My story is different from PPs. I dilated more each week
>after my first internal exam at 36 weeks. At my 39(39w 1day)
>week appointment I was about 4 cent. I went into labor the
>next day and was 5.5 cent when I got to the hospital. I
>delivered Gabrielle 5 days early and had a quick labor and
>delivery. So, your early dilation could mean that the little
>one could make a 2004 appearance.
>
This is almost exactly our story! Ben was born only 2 days early, though.
I guess you never know when they'll be ready to come out. :)
Carolee and Ben (6/14/03)
RE: How long can I stay dilated at three centimeters???
I was 100% effaced and 5 cms dilated for a little over 3 weeks. Every time I saw my doctor, she and the nurses in the clinic would go " Oh you are still pregnant?" It did seem like it was forever.
Finally one week before he was due DS was born. I was alseep till 1 at night. Then I woke up with very slight contractions. Went to the restroom. By then I was bleeding. So, woke up DH and got to the hospital at 1.55am. I was 9.5 dilated by then. The first thing I heard from the nurse was "Start pushing dear". Sure enough 2.34 DS was born. No time to think of epidural or anything else.
I agree with most of the pps though. Labor gets pretty simple after extended effacement and dilation.
Good luck!!