Quickness of cervix dilation? Help!

**Soph** · September 20th, 2006, 03:28 PM

Ok so this morning at my CGT it was noted that I was having regular contractions (could feel them) but my cervix while soft was firmly shut. For the last hour I have had pretty full on contractions about 12 minutes apart - heading towards 11 now and lasting about 40 seconds. Can your cervix dilate quickly? Pretty stupid question I know but I don't want to head in to hospital (at least a 30 min drive) with nothing else happening!I just thought because my cervix was shut this morning it would be a while yet before anything was happening!

**Phteven** · September 20th, 2006, 03:32 PM

I think that a crevix can dilate pretty fast. Its one of those things that varies alot between pregnancies.

**Trish** · September 20th, 2006, 03:41 PM

Soph, have you been using anything like Evening Primrose Oil capsules?? These really do help to soften up your cervix. If your waters haven't broken or anything then you would still be right to use them. Can't hurt hey??

Maybe you could've asked for a stretch and sweep when you were there.

But generally they say 1cm for each hour, although quite often that's not the case. Especially for your 2nd or subseqent babies.

**hannanat** · September 20th, 2006, 03:42 PM

I went from 1 to 10cm in a little over 2 hrs. It was my 7th baby though. And it hurt a LOT more.

**hannanat** · September 20th, 2006, 03:42 PM

Forgot to wish you luck! Good luck!

**Soph** · September 20th, 2006, 03:42 PM

Ok so it's possible if it was closed at 11am, and I am having contractions now that it will be opening? They couldn't do a stretch and sweep this morning because it was closed.

**BellyBelly** · September 20th, 2006, 03:46 PM

A soft cervix is great though, sounds like you are very close! Can you go for a walk? Maybe bubs isn't in an optimal position or something like that - cervix dilation can depend on baby's position, your positioning, stress - all sorts. Going for a walk will help move the pelvis and hence baby and gets the head nice and down on the cervix.

**Soph** · September 20th, 2006, 03:47 PM

Um I might walk up and down the stairs a bit - contractions are quite painful and coming around every 11 minutes. Yikes this could really be it!

**Trillian** · September 20th, 2006, 03:50 PM

I'd say it is "It" Sophie. Have you got someone there with you to help with Lucie?

**Soph** · September 20th, 2006, 03:52 PM

Yeah thanks Sherie, my mum is here. Hoping things won't get too intense until after we put her to bed around 7pm! Ok here comes another one.............

**~Jo~** · September 20th, 2006, 04:07 PM

Ohhhh Soph..so exciting

Jo

**Trish** · September 20th, 2006, 04:07 PM

Oh yeah Soph, sorry, I forgot to wish you luck too hun. I'm sure you'll do great sweety. Remember with every pain, your one less closer to meeting bub

**Trillian** · September 20th, 2006, 04:15 PM

It sounds like you are in a great frame of mind - you are going to have a great birth!

Kirsty77 · September 20th, 2006, 04:28 PM

Goodluck Soph! For memory when I had Gem I went from being 1cm dilated to 5cm in a matter of 2 hours or so. I'm so excited for you!!!!

**Antheia** · September 20th, 2006, 04:31 PM

I think it depends on the person and the pregnancy. My first i dilated from 2-10cms in 4 hours but i was also induced..

Goodluck! I hope it is quick and easy for you!