I was 3 cm and 85-90% effaced for SEVEN weeks before I had my baby. I was put on bedrest at 32 weeks due to preterm labor and was released from it at 37 weeks and the baby refused to come out. I tried everything and she didn't make an appearance until exactly 39 weeks.
With my first I wasn't even dilated to 1 cm and my water broke while I was sleeping at 38 weeks and I had her 12 hours later.
You never really know. Could be days could be weeks.
It happened to me with my first baby...I was having really bad contractions I ent to the ER and they also gave me a shot...but I carried my daughter for two more months after that
I was dilated to 1cm at 35wks and 2cm at 36wks at my 37wk check up I was still a 2, 2days later I went to the hospital for contractions I was still a 2 and got sent home as they were irregular contractions. The next morning I woke up to intense contractions that were 5mins apart went to the hospital had my baby less than a hour after.
Ya its hard to say. I was 3cm n 70%effaced, that was 4wks ago n im still pregnant. Also lost my mucous plug 4wks ago. :D
I am also on the same boat as you im 35wk and 1 cent. dilated but doctor wasnt concern with it.
You can be dilated for weeks before going into labor. Doesn't mean you will have baby early. You could very well go overdue even being dilated already.