Isn't this a bit unusual........

[Grandmatobe]

Once someone reaches 39 weeks, wouldn't you think that at least some effacing or dilation would have occurred?  It seems very late to have no progress at all, although my daughter has been having BH, etc.  What would cause no progress?  Too big of a head??  The dates are completely accurate, so it isn't that.

Thanks.

[adawning4]

With my 2nd I had that problem. I never did anything until I was induced at 10pm. and it was not any harder or longer than my 1st.  I had him at 10:27am the following morning. If she is to be induced ask to do it at night. that way she can sleep through the dial. and waiting. I would not worry to much about it. Get her to walk. straight walking for atleast 20min. everyday. Good luck.

[Grandmatobe]

That is story is encouraging to hear.  She was buzzing around cleaning about a week ago and I thought "uh oh, she's nesting".  Then nothing... I guess she just wanted to clean :)

She isn't doing too much in the way of activity, although she knows this will help.  As for the BD'ing, I suggested that, and she got embarrassed, so I don't mention it anymore.  I can understand that - - but at least she knows it helps.....

[blueeyedtabbycat]

My friend just had her little boy on monday....she was due on memorial Day so she went one week ealy. I had just seen her at lunch time on Sunday and asked her if she was dailated or anything and she said nope. A few hours later her water broke and she went to the hospital!! 13 hours later she was holding her little Blake!! It can happen quickly or over time. I wouldnt worry about it too much if the doctors aren't:)
Is she doing anything to help move things along?? Walking, sex, spicy foods, stair climbing or moving around her living room(nesting)????

[Grandmatobe]

Fortunately, the head is down and has been for a few weeks, so that's good.  Hopefully, we will get some news tomorrow.  I'll keep you posted.

[LosingMyMindInGA]

some women don't do ANYTHING until they are ready to begin labor....with my second I didn't dialate or efface until I was actually IN labor.  Every woman is different and every pregnancy is different.  BUT like some others said...some woman just don't start labor on their own and they need a kick start with medication.

[connorethansmom]

Hang in there - be patient as hard as it may be.  At 40 weeks with my son - nothing, no dilation or effacement!!!  I was furious.  Then I was told I had to be at 41.5 weeks to be induced and that could take several days, there are several things they can do to induce.  From what I was told if I hadn't progressed at all they would start with a medicine to soften the cervix, then IV pitocin, then breaking my water.  Finally, I spoke with the right doctor who agreed to do it at 41 weeks versus 41.5, but it wasn't needed.  I was to be induced at 5PM (yes, 5PM, they weren't very optimistic, things were going to move quickly at all), but my son came 11 minutes before that - all on his own!

I have had friends that have been induced, with barely fingertip dialiation and they had the baby fine - no C-section.  Good luck and keep us posted.

[kennedydp5]

i don't know about the head being too big, but is the head down?  if the baby's in a breech position it might not be putting enough pressure on the cervix to begin dilating...  and does she walk regularly and is she in a position to be having sex (anything to bring on contractions)?  

[nursekim]

I went to the doctor at 39 weeks and 5 days with my first and had absolutely no dilation or effacement up to that point......absolutely nothing and I was told see you next week for my regular visit.  36 hours later I was holding my baby in my arms.  Once I got started with contractions early the next morning we went to the hospital and I was already 4cm, so it can happen to have nothing going on and then all of a sudden go into labor.  Good luck

[kennedydp5]

i wouldn't want to have a c-section for convenience!  if there is another reason for the doc to want to do a c-section then i would go that route...  but the only reason i can think of that she hasn't made any progress yet would be that her baby just isn't ready yet.  hopefully at her appt this week she's made some progress...  and since she's so far along once she makes that small step to start dilating it will probably happen pretty quick!  i hope all goes well and let us know how her appt goes.  i'm curious to know about induction w/ no dilation...

[mamaofonetrying42]

Well, if that was Me, and I wasnt eff or dila by my nexts appt. I would talk to my dr. about just having a C-section.....

[Grandmatobe]

I have heard that it could make for a long labor and increase the possibility of a C-section if they aren't effaced or dilated at the time of induction.  So having said that, if she goes past her due date next week, it doesn't do much good to induce, right?

So that goes back to my original point, it would seem that there should be a "reason" that she isn't dilating and effacing, hence, why not just do a C-section and get it over with, instead of risking a long inducement that might require the C-section anyway (of course, ANY surgery is a risk too).

What do you think?

[mamaofonetrying42]

That is what I have could to know, If you are not Eff or Dila then they would induced, I have heared that it could be very bad if they do.....

[Grandmatobe]

I mean't to say that she "hasn't" effaced or dilated.

[Grandmatobe]

She goes back to the doctor this week, so we'll see what the doctor says this time.  I hope there is SOME progress, because if not, she will be bummed and want to be induced the following week.  I doubt the doctor will induce if she has effaced or started dilating at all.  Is that true?

[kennedydp5]

did she say if her doc seemed concerned about it?  i wish i knew more about this part (the end) of pregnancy!  all 3 of mine were c-sections and i only remember being dilated to 6cm at 39wks w/ my first (then she delivered by emergnency c-section)...  but i don't remember what i got to w/ my last 2.  

[Grandmatobe]

Yes, this is her first.  Even with MY first child, I started effacing and dilating around 37 weeks and the baby was born right on time.  I would have assumed that some progress would be made by now, even if it continues until she is officially overdue.

[kennedydp5]

is this her first?  i've heard w/ your first you can be overdue.  i don't think its abnormal, its just the way her body is...

[mamaofonetrying42]

Ummm. you know some people just dont progress at all.......