dilating???

[nessa469]

How can we dilate with out being in labor or going into labor? I am 2cm but wondering how come I am not in labor if I got dilated to a 2.  Does anybody know? &if I was contracting why does it just stop?

[Musto5]

You're not considered to be in active labor until you're at least 4 cm and having contractions that are 3-5 minutes apart. Everything before that is just preparation!

[melbelle87]

When I was pregnant with my first I thought I was just having Braxton hicks contractions since they went away when I sat or lay down. Then at my doctor's appointment I was a few cm's dilated.  Just your body getting ready for the big day I guess!

[mitch_14]

It's just the body preparing for labour. Contractions that aren't actual labour are just your body practising. Some women get them for half their pregnancy

[KaylaC08]

Walking helps soften the cervix. No matter what I did my cervix wouldn't soften much. I ended up having the Dr. use Cervadil the night before I was to be induced and I went in to labor on my own within 7 of the 12 hours the cervadil was put in place. The cervadil just got my cervix softened and then my body dialated on its own. How far along are you?

[lilnbuttonsmom]

Not sure but I've been dilated to a 2 since I was 37 weeks and at my 39 week check it was the same!