Should i be dilated at 38 weeks

What does this mean? Is labor starting? Not necessarily. The start of labor is marked by the presence of regular contractions that bring about continued dilation and effacement. But, it does mean that your body is making progress—that your cervix is beginning to open. Progress can be very slow, though. Some women progress from a closed cervix to 10 cm in a matter of hours once labor has begun, and others walk around for weeks 1 — 2 cm dilated without any contractions 4.

Lightening is when baby moves down lower into the pelvis. This is also known as engagement. With baby dropped downward and the uterus no longer pushing into the diaphragm and lungs, breathing often becomes easier. However, it may be traded for leg cramps or pains, increased pelvic pressure, and edema in the legs and feet. They may become strong enough for a woman to believe she is in labor, and this is called false labor.

In the meantime, change up your activity level. Braxton Hicks contractions will usually go away in response to a change in activity level. At these weekly appointments, your doctor will check that baby is in a head-down position and to see if the head has moved down into the pelvis.

Also, get ready for a pelvic exam, where your cervix will be checked for dilation opening and effacement thinning —both signs your body is readying for labor. Ah, the unpredictability of childbirth! If your doctor wants a more in-depth check on baby, they may order a 38 weeks pregnant ultrasound to see the size of the baby. In some cases, the result of the biophysical profile could make your doctor decide to deliver baby earlier than your due date.

Some women may not be dilated yet, while others may be a centimeter or two. Your OB will check on this during your weekly appointments. Rubbing on a heavy-duty moisturizer, like pure shea butter, can help with dry, overstretched skin, and so does staying hydrated with lots of water. Go for a walk in the park Get that blood flowing to reduce swelling while enjoying fresh air and beautiful scenery.

Scent your bedroom with lavender essential oil in a diffuser or diluted with water in a room spray. Find a reliable timer Bookmark The Bump contraction timer! Braxton Hicks contractions are generally painless contractations that stop.

The doctor will encourage you to push. At times you will be asked to stop pushing. First, the baby will crown. As the head is pushed through, the vagina and perineum are stretched. It may cause a burning sensation. The umbilical cord, which connects the baby to the placenta, is clamped and cut. This stage usually takes only a few minutes but can take up to half an hour. You may continue to have mild contractions. The doctor will massage your lower abdomen to help the uterus contract.

You may need to push one more time. The placenta comes out with a small burst of blood. While you are resting and greeting your baby, your doctor will examine the vagina.

Stitches may be put in if needed. You may also be given medications to help the uterus contract and ease bleeding. You and your baby will get care and check ups while you are in the hospital. Take advantage of this time to get some rest. Ask any questions to help get ready for the next few weeks at home. Childbirth and beyond. Office on Women's Health website. Accessed January 29, Managmement of normal labor. Merck Manual Professional Version website. Management of routine labor.

The process of labor: labor stages. Sutter Health website. Exceptional Nurses Winchester Hospital was the first community hospital in the state to achieve Magnet designation, recognition for nursing excellence. Supporting Our Community Our tremendous staff gives back to our community by coordinating free health screenings, educational programs, and food drives. What Our Patients are Saying A leading indicator of our success is the feedback we get from our patients. Home Health Library.

Signs that labor is coming are: Dropping or Lightening When the baby drops or "lightens," they move lower into your pelvis. Dilation The cervix must open, or dilate, to allow the baby to pass.

Water Breaking or Rupturing of Membranes The baby is surrounded by a fluid-filled sac called the amniotic sac. There are a few ways to tell Braxton Hicks false labor contractions from contractions of early labor: Braxton Hicks contractions are irregular and do not get closer together True labor contractions come at regular intervals and get closer and closer together Braxton Hicks contractions may stop when you walk or change positions True labor contractions continue no matter what you do, including walking Stages of Labor and Delivery Labor and delivery often progresses through 3 stages.

Stage 1: Early and Active Labor During stage one, the cervix dilates and effaces to prepare for birth. Stage 3: Delivery of the Placenta This stage usually takes only a few minutes but can take up to half an hour. These movements open the cervix and help push the baby into the birth canal. True contractions come closer and closer together in a predictable pattern and last around 30 to 70 seconds each. They get steadily stronger and keep coming, regardless of what you do.

You and your health practitioner should come up with a game plan ahead of time about when you should call and what you should do if you suspect you're in labor.

Most practitioners will probably tell you to call when you have contractions that last for around one minute and occur every five minutes for about an hour, but this could vary greatly depending on your health history and past pregnancy record. Women who have given birth before may have a quicker labor the second or third time around, so it's important not to wait too long to call if you think things might go quickly.

Be sure to discuss this with your doctor or midwife. To time the frequency of contractions, start at the beginning of one and count until the beginning of the next one.

When in doubt, call your practitioner. Even if you're not sure if your signs add up to the beginning of labor, it doesn't hurt to check in. Your doctor or midwife can give you concrete advice and help you determine if this is the moment you've been waiting for. American Pregnancy Association. Signs of Labor, Mayo Clinic. Signs of Labor: Know what to expect. May 14, Whitsett, J. New England Journal of Medicine. Volume Stages of Childbirth: Stage I. Stages of Childbirth: Stage II.