Softened and shortened cervix

boymomforever 💙💙🤰 • Mother of five angel babies, a happy and healthy 4yo boy & a 1.5yo boy & last baby and BOY #3 due June 20 ‘23 💙

My doctor checked me today and says I am not dilated any but my cervix is soft and shortening. Although he did not say any kind of % of effacement. I am 35+5 today. (I had my first born at 35+4 due to premature rupture of the membranes). So I know I am likely to deliver this one early as well. But, how early?

How long can it take for the cervix to fully "ripen" as they say? He told me to take it easy and that he'll "see me next week if not sooner" 😱

What's your experience? Do I have a few hours or days or weeks or???? Any feedback is appreciated.

I'm wondering if he's going to come before Christmas 😬🎄