Saw the doctor today...

[Pips]

So ... wasn't scheduled to go in until next week, but found myself wondering if my water was leaking today ... so in I went!  I was wrong, there is no leak, so that's great news!  I am 35 weeks today and apparently am now 1 cm dilated.  Not effaced and the doc said that while her head is not palpable, she is still at least -3 station or higher.

For those of you that don't know, I have been on progesterone for contractions since 22 weeks.  Up until now the contractions have had no effect on the cervix, which was good.  I think 35 weeks though is an ok time to start moving things along a little.  Especially since this appears to be such a big baby!  When I saw the doc at 33 weeks, I was 34 cm ... this time, 2 weeks later I am at 39 cm!!!  Seriously?!?!?!  I'm afraid she's gonna be so huge she's gonna rip me to shreds!

Anyone with any insight at all tell me ... do you think 1 cm at 35 weeks makes delivery at 37 or 38 weeks look promising???

[Pips]

If I remember right I hit 1 cm a week before I delivered each of mine and partially effaced, and was a 2 when I went in.  With the first though I was induced a day after my due date.  With the second my water broke at 38 weeks.  I didn't start labor with either on my own, but had pitocin.  My first labor was 8 1/2 hours, my second was 7 1/2 hours.  I must react well to pitocin!  I had a lot of braxton hicks with the second, but never these kind of contractions.  I'm hoping a 1 at 35 weeks with contractions will make the difference.  I guess we'll see when I go back on Monday.  I am not effaced though, so who knows...

What happens if you go in at 37 or 38 weeks, without having water break ... regular contractions ... cervix looks good ... but don't progress very quickly.  Will they send you home to continue contracting, or will they help you along with a little pitocin?  I've had great success with the drugs, so I'm kinda hoping they go that route!

[peterjl]

I was on progesterone my entire pregnancy as well- I stopped at 36 weeks.  I was 2cm dilated at 37 wks and 3cm at 38 wks.  The baby was also very low- I had a scheduled c-section for 40 wks, but had her 2 days after my last appt at 38 wks.  My doc was thinking of putting me on bedrest to get me to my scheduled c-section date.  I'm glad I had her and didn't have to do bedrest- so hopefully you will deliver early.  Were you early with your other kids?

[cocacolapanda]

I think the combination of contractions and the fact that you've started to diolate make it promising.  I was 2 cm diolated with my first for 6 weeks before I delivered!  At 35 weeks for me this time I was 1 cm and 50% effaced.  At 37 weeks I was 2 cm and 75% effaced, 38 weeks no change (I went into "false" labor a few days before my 38 week apt so the no change was/is very depressing!).  Some days it really feels like it *could* be the day, and others I just know it won't happen.  Hopefully because of the contractions you've been having are what will push you to have the baby early!