Confused about dilation?

Question

I see a lot of women on here that say their doctors have checked them for dilation. I’m seeing midwives in the practice so I don’t know if it makes a difference, but they won’t even check you until you’re a week over? Anyone know why different practices do different things??

Answer

My Dr won’t check me until at least 38 weeks unless she feels like something is wrong. She says there is no reason to introduce unnecessary bacteria into the area or to make baby come any earlier than when he is ready. Threw me for a loop when she told me but it makes sense and I understand her reasoning for doing so.

Answer

I think it's kind of pointless but my dr started it last week at 35w.
If you're not dilated or just 1cm, you start to stress like wth why hasn't my body done anything yet.
Whereas, you could be 2-3cm and not even know BUT just continue on being pregnant for weeks and not going into labor until your time.
My point is it really makes no difference because some women gradually open up, some it all happens during early and active labor! :)

Answer

my Dr will only check if I ask, mainly because it's pointless. you could walk around several cm dilated for weeks.

Answer

You don't need to be checked for dilation. You could be stuck dilated for weeks.

Answer

honestly dilation doesn't mean much unless you're in active labor. with midwives you are more likely not to be checked in part due to them having different philosophies than OBGYN's. But as someone else said it's a good thing because its less bacteria beinf introduced to your vagina and less stress on your cervix.

Answer

My providers will check if asked, but they do not do it routinely as it is meaningless. Plus, your body know what to do and will do its thing...providing you with information that means nothing doesn't help you any!

Answer

This is my fourth pregnancy, 6th baby and I have always been checked starting at 36 weeks with the exception of my triplets and this baby I was checked at 30 weeks because I was having so many contractions. My oldest is 7 1/2 and I am 34 weeks pregnant now. I have been seeing this a lot though lately.. people aren't being checked. I personally think it's crazy and would want to know where I stand esp since my first born was only a 4hr labor.

Answer

it depends on the practice you go to. with my first they checked at 36 weeks. I was 1 cm dilated and I told mil. she flipped and acted like I'd go into labor any second for the next 3 weeks until I had the baby. with my 2nd pregnancy i was at a different practice. they didn't check me at all. they said there was no point and would only check if I really wanted them to..i declined. a friend of mine was 4 cm for 4 weeks before she gave birth

Answer

My midwife normally doesn't check until 40 weeks or later, because it really doesn't tell you anything and there's no point in getting excited or bummed out over something that doesn't change your chances of going into labour sooner. She only checked me early because i thought my water may have been leaking, and we want me to go earlier because of complications so i got checked at 36+5 and will be having a stretch and sweep at 37+4

Answer

It definitely depends on the doctor- but more and more are turning away from the instant checking because as many have said, it can introduce unnecessary bacteria and it dilation/effacement really doesn’t mean much at this point. My doctor checked me at 35 weeks and he won’t be checking me again until I’m 38 weeks.

Confused about dilation?

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