36 Weeks. 40% to 70% Effaced in 3 days? And 1 CM. How soon do you think?

[jmartinez10]

I am 36 weeks 2 days today. So I went in for a check up on Tuesday (today is Sat) and I was 1 cm and 40% effaced. I've been having lots of irregular contractions. Not BH though, they are strong and last at least 1 min. (but not close together). I went in yesterday (Friday) and I was still 1 cm but 70% effaced. I know people can be dilated and effaced for weeks before labor but I wonder if since I went from 40% to 70% in just 3 days if that means he will come sooner than later. My doctor guesses he'll be early, but not sure how early. I'm just curious what other people think or if anyone has had a similar situation and how soon they went into active labor.

 

[MissAnnabelle]

I was 2cm, 70% effaced and fully engaged at 35 weeks. As of Thursday I was 4cm and I didn't get the effacement, but I had leaked some fluid twice, totally lost my plug and had my bloody show and still no baby yet, so I have no idea. Last Tuesday I was only 2.8 cm I thought for sure she would come this weekend.

 

[chicka.chicka]

Effacement can vary. You can be 40% one day, 70% the next day, and then be 40% again the next day. It's really more of a reflection of the pressure baby's head is putting on things. Dilation is a much greater indicator of progress. You could stay at 1 cm for weeks. Sorry... I know when I start dilating and effacing I start getting very anxious for things to move along. Hopefully you won't have to wait too much longer!

 

[MissAnnabelle]

I'm not sure if you had your baby yet or not but if it makes you feel any better I had mine last week at 39weeks and my labor was under 7hrs from start to finish. I'm not sure if that was from the early dilation and effacement? Best if luck to you