Do you have to have contractions to dilate?

Question

I have yet to experience any contractions, not even Braxton hicks, that I know of, so I'm wondering if I won't efface or dilate until I go into labor.

Answer

No, you can dialate without contractions.  Happened to me too.

Answer

You are having Braxton hicks, you just can't feel them. ☺

Answer

I dilated before going into labor. Never felt a contraction until I was in real labor.

Answer

I think the vast majority of women who dilate are having contractions (even if they can't feel them).

With my first my water broke at 36 weeks, and I found out I was 4cm dilated - no noticeable contractions or other symptoms. As soon as I was hooked up to the monitor at the hospital, we could see regular contractions, but I could not feel them.

Answer

A nurse at the hospital told me that you can't dilate unless you're having contractions, BUTT I called BS bc I dilated 10cm without one contraction and no water break I was 19 weeks pregnant and lost my baby due to her being too tiny to be able to get any treatment!!

Answer

No contractions here but 90% effaced so I'm not sure if it matters

Do you have to have contractions to dilate?

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