A few questions about labor beginning

[Courtcourt]

I am now 3cm dilated, 60% effaced and baby is -2 station. My family lives 5 hours away, when I go into labor- they are hopping in the car and coming down. (lol, my moms bags have been packed for 3-4 weeks now)

This seems like a lot to be walking around with, is it? I need my mom to have more than 5 hour warning, lol!

In previous pregnancies, do you recall how effaced you were in the days leading up to delivery? I understand being dilated can stay that way for a while, wondering if effacement has more significance.

I understand active labor is 4cm on...?

 

[LouLou78]

If this is your first baby then your mother 'should' have enough time when you start to have contractions. Active labour isn't just about the dilitation/effacement. Your cervix being 4cm doesn't mean you are in active labour. Active labour is accompanied by regular painful contractions which are close together each lasting 60 secs long +. So when it comes to calling your family to be with you, monitor your contractions by timing them at first, writing them down etc. Sometimes contractions start and then fizzle out, especially first babies. You could be fully effaced (100%) for days but once you have strong regular contractions accompanying this than the countdown begins. x

 

[BrittneyMom]

With my 1st lo at my 36 week appt I was 2cm and 70% efaced. The next week my water broke. When I got to the hospital I was 4cm and 90%... the baby still took 17 hours to come thereafter. I think your mom will make it. Be sure to call her before you go to the hospital as long as your contracting regularly... worst case she wasted a small amount of time in the car and has to turn around Good luck!!

 

[teal]

I don't know how effaced I was but the day before I went into labour I was less than 1cm dilated. My labour was 6.5 hours start to finish (first baby) xx

 

[BrittneyMom]

I don't know how effaced I was but the day before I went into labour I was less than 1cm dilated. My labour was 6.5 hours start to finish (first baby) xx

Wow!! I want that!!! lol

 

[Emerald]

I don't know how effaced I was but the day before I went into labour I was less than 1cm dilated. My labour was 6.5 hours start to finish (first baby) xx

6.5 hours ... Sounds fab !! Hope my next baba takes note !! lol xx