Hi my daughter is pregnant for the first time and its been many many years since I have had my own kids. Cab you tell me something. She is now considered to be 50% efaced, but not dialted yet. Therefore I am wondering how long before labor starts? Any help would be appreciated....Thanks...Granny

How far along is she? She could be not dilated at all and then go into labor tomorrow morning, or she could walk around at 3 cm for a whole month. How dilated she is, is really no indication of when labor will start as far as I know.

Barb

Hi, Granny. I am in the same situation as your daughter. I am 36 weeks and just got back from the Dr. I am 50% effaced but not dialated.

I am hoping to hold on another couple of weeks, because I do want my baby to be "full term"...the Dr. also said that his head is still "pretty far up there" so I guess that might be an indication that I am not ready yet. Does your daughter know about the placement of the head- if it has dropped into the birth canal? Tell her to hang in there...and best of luck to you both.

Those of you discussing gas pains and such, YES! I feel your pain- I have been having them for about a week- and it literally makes you double over in pain! I have been taking "baby gas relief drops" and that helps a little. And baths do help me as well. If anyone figures out any other solutions or what it means, please let me know!!!! It's crazy!!!!!

Welcome to motherhood. Having gas - there is not that much you can do. But you are close to the end of this part of the journey. Hang in there.

Barb

Even when labor starts is not an indication of when baby will come! ;D Some people will have contractions for days, other people will have the baby in a couple hours.

I was one of those people who walked around for a month 3cm dialated and 100% effaced. DS1 was born on his due date. With my second child I declined the weekly checks since they don't really tell you anything.