How to know how far dilated you are?

[SamanthaP]

Hi MM, Can I suggest that you use a little caution when it comes to checking your own cervix. I'm all for knowing your own body and I think it's great for women to feel their own cervix, but knowing you have a history of premature labour, I think the less that people have their fingers in there the better, iykwim?

[Alan]

Good point Samantha

[Ozziehoffy]

Wow, how cool is this thread!! I sooooooo can't wait for the next so I can try this out!! What's the bet I can't find this thread in another 10 months (fingers crossed anyway) huh!

[amberj]

Meh, I tried but it all feels like mush to me!!! Hm, will gently keep trying- or leave it to the experts!

[EJM]

I tried last night after finding this thread and had no idea what i was feeling, might try again in a week to see if I can feel changes... unless something happens before then!!

[Gabi]

Bumping with a question...(or maybe just asking for some encouragement)

I'll be 40 weeks this weekend, last week my cervix was posterior and closed and hard (I had a feel too so I would know it felt like). Then yesterday, following the tips in this thread, my cervix seemed further forward, and I could feel the rim open a bit on my finger. This morning it has moved a bit more, seemed a bit softer, and I can easily fit my finger in! How far would this make me? I think my finger is about 1-1.5cm...

My 'period pain' has stepped up a notch, but nothing regular. Send some labour vibes my way! I really don't want to go two weeks overdue!

[paradise lost]

If you can get a finger in you're about 1cm, BUT the inner about outer parts of the cervix can dilate at different rates, so if you can put a finger in and feel the membranes then you're a 1, if you can get your finger in but not feel bubs you might still be closed inside.

Effacement plays a big part in dilating for that reason, the thinner the cervix gets the more the inner and outer openings match up, kwim? It's hard to judge effacement unless you touched your cervix a lot before, but you can guesstimate by how much fingertip is inside the cervix when you've inserted it as far as it'll go. The whole fingertip to the first knuckle would be about 2cm, so you'd be about 50% effaced, the bottom of the fingernail would be about 1cm, so you'd be about 75% effaced.

I was 1-2cm dilated and 50% effaced at 40 weeks and went to 41+4! I'm sending the good vibes your way, but if you PLAN to be 14days overdue, you can only be happily surprised

Bx

[Gabi]

Hmm. I didn't think of that. I didn't try to put my finger in...I was too scared!

I'm just so excited that my cervix is doing anything.

[rose]

Thanks for bumping this. I read this earlier in preg but now I am a lot closer, I should familiarise this more. Something I found interesting, I could feel cervix quite easily earlier on and in pre preg, but it is almost out of reach. Also I have prolaps prob and thought by know would be easily reached.

Just a few thoughts

[Gabi]

I decided to go back for another look. And now I can't find my cervix at all! All I could feel was this gelatinous blob.

[Meluchja]

Gabi, it's all very interesting in there during the late stages of pregnancy isn't. I was wondering after reading the part about your gelatinous blob, could you not feel any cervical lips at all?

[Gabi]

Gabi, it's all very interesting in there during the late stages of pregnancy isn't. I was wondering after reading the part about your gelatinous blob, could you not feel any cervical lips at all?

No I couldn't find it. Could it have moved back up again?

[tan32]

i had a feel last night , my cervix is still quite a way back but i can reach it, over the last few days it has become very squishy and has thinned a little.
I can get 2 fingers in. If i had longer arms im sure i could fit more fingers in as there is plenty of room to move.
Ah well i just keep on getting braxton hicks hopefully i'll go soon.

[Meluchja]

Gabi, it's hard to say. I could have, but I could have moved around for a few reasons I'm guessing. Like movement of baby further down birth canal, movements in bowels, and also of course the approaching labour.

I wouldn't worry about anything though. The fact that you have noticed some change over time is a great sign for you that things are beginning to get ready for labour.

Good luck, it's amazing to feel the changes in your cervix, fingers crossed it all happens soon for you, I'm sure it will. You'll love the whole journey.

[rose]

Ok, I have a question. For those that have tried this, which position were you in when you did the check? May be TMI
Were you....
on the loo
squatting
in the shower
standing with one leg up
laying half sitting.

I am just trying to find out which is the best pos. to be able to assess.

Also when did you start, is it too early for me, should I wait till 38wks?

Thanks

[Niamh75]

Wow very interesting I had a scan today and they measured my cervix and it was 1.6cm so a bit short I have had pains and it did happen me before with my last pregnancy I had an internal then and was 80% effaced and 2cm had steroids and I was induced because of GD at 38 weeks and it was so quick so im hoping thats what will happen this time just wondering will they do the same this time and give me steroids again

Alan are you there what do you think Ild be afraid to have a feel my self actually dont think i could reach any way LOL

[Meluchja]

Rose,
The best position for me was squatting in the shower. I only did it is the shower as I would scrub both hands and well yes 'there' before doing so.

I started to feel when I was around 36/37ish weeks I think, can't remember exactly.

This is a little late since your post, have you had a feel yet? Or is it even too late, lol

[Alan]

Hi Niamh
The steroids they gave you are to ensure that your baby's lungs are fully developed. This is usually done if there is a suspicion that your baby may be born early. (usually before 38 weeks). Your short cervix is one indication that there is a chance that your baby could come early so I would not be surprised if they offered you the injection again.

Normally there is quite a lot of moisture in your lungs but your body produces a hormone called surfactant that stops the lungs from sticking together like a wet plastic bag does. The main problem with the lungs of a baby that is born prior to 37 weeks is that there is very little production of this hormone and thus the lungs often do stick together. The injection helps with the production of this hormone and thus helps to prevent this problem