Almost 40 Week Doctor Visit
Just got back from visiting the doctor again! She said that I am still 50% effaced, but am now 1.5 cm dilated and at -1 station.
Definitions per Babies Online:
Effacement: Most of the pregnancy, the cervix is long and thick. As labor nears, it begins to shorten and thin. 100% effaced means that the cervix is a part of the uterine wall and the baby can pass – so I’m half way there.
Dilation: Again, most of the pregnancy, the cervix is tight and closed with no dilation. The baby is ready to pass through once you are 10 cm dilated.
Station: This is how far the baby has come down into the pelvis. If your baby has dropped, but has not yet settled into your pelvis to begin his decent, it is measured in centimeters as a negative station. This negative measurement goes from -3 to -1. Once your baby has settled into your pelvis, but before he starts his descent to the birth canal, it is referred to as a zero (0) station. Once your baby starts heading towards the cervix, it is referred to as a positive station from 1 to 3.
So there’s the news! It doesn’t change much, she could still arrive tomorrow, or late next week, it’s still a waiting game. In celebration of waiting, Brian and I are eating out this week! We’ll be confined to the house soon enough so it’s time to get out! Off we go!
2 Comments
lisamacdonald on April 30th, 2009
I know! I saw that on your blog and it inspired us! Thanks!
vollbaby on April 29th, 2009
Jason and I ate out every night for about 2 weeks before Bea came. Thank God, because we have been living on cold cuts, canned soups, cereal and other easy to make things since she got here!