41 weeks & 1cm; Dr. making me feel like im broken:( Positive stories wanted please :)

[codiontour]

Anyone not dilate til the very end at this many weeks (41)? I hate cervical checks, Im refusing them from now on, they just make me feel like shit!

 

[theresarhuebb]

hey with my 1st i was two weeks over due. was the second week being overdue i woke up that early morning at around 4am with cramp. was ever so mild thought nothing of it, come 9am i had my show. phoned mw because i didnt know what it was at the time. she was scheculed to come to mine for 10 for a sweep when she got here and had a look i was already 2 cm dilated but still did the sweep! x

 

[SerenityNow]

With my first I was 4 cm at 41+3 and I went into labor at 41+6. With my second I was only 1cm at 41+2 and went into labor at 41+3 (had her in less than 2 hours, too). So, I don't think dilating before labor means much.

 

[soootired]

I am from the uk where docs dont tend to do as many cervical checks (if any) before labour starts. I got to 41 weeks and had a sweep then induced 2 days later but never had dilation measured until labour started. this might be different after 41 weeks but cant see why and cant see any harm in you refusing them

 

[codiontour]

Thanks so much for responding. They do checks at every exam past 36 and I think it is ridiculous! If you arent dilated it makes you feel as if the doctor is dissapointed... and everyone and their mama wants to know if there is any "progress" as soon as you step out of the appointment! Well, its no ones dang business what my cervix is doing!! I hate the US birth system. It is so fear oriented!

 

[Lizzeh]

Really?! That's insane! You're so right about the US system being fear oriented. Over here the midwives are v relaxed about things and just let them run their course until there's an actual need to intervene. They only check the cervix after 41 weeks. It's so very normal to go over the 40 week mark, no need to get worked up about it, right?
Making women worry over these useless things only slows things down, cause stress will hinder the release of oxytocin which you need for labour to start.

 

[RedString]

doctors know Sh*t really. They didn't bother checking me with my first. They assumed I wasn't dilated or effaced at all because when they checked to see if my waters had gone (which they had) they couldn't see anything, and I had a very short labour; only three or so hours.

 

[tristansmum]

i don't think cervical checks are required until you are induced. Some women dialate to 2-3-4 cm and sit like that for weeks. While others have nothing until labour begins. I wouldn't accept it until its neccassary. Plus just because you get to 40 weeks doesn't mean your baby HAS to arrive right this second.... give them time and they come. I had to be induced at 40 weeks due to medical condition and that was the first time i was told how dialated i was (1cm)

 

[CheerCoach]

Ugh! I'm sorry to hear you are going through this. There are certainly times when women don't dilate on their own, but our due dates are approximate. And just because one baby and mother are ready to deliver at 38,39 or 40 weeks does not mean that everyone is. I know it must be frustrating to go past the date you have anticipated having your LO, but chances are it just isn't time (I'm sure that doesn't help...sorry). Hang in there, your body and your LO will let you know when it's time. If you end up being needing to be induced please don't beat yourself up over it. I hope things get moving for you soon and I'm certain once you have that baby in your arms you will feel 100% better.