how long does it take to go from soft cervix to a dilating cervix?

I had an Ob appointment today and since we are worried about the size of the baby (supposed to be "huge", given my ultrasound a few weeks ago), and since I am 40+2 today, she did an internal with a view to doing a stretch+sweep if suitable.

It seems I am not dilated at all yet, so the s+s was impossible (or not sensible anyway). Apparently my cervix is soft, but not dilating, and the baby's head is still more mobile than you'd expect.

I'm very disappointed by this as I'd really hoped that things would be more happening by now. The waiting is driving me nuts and I'm increasingly worried that the baby will be so large by the time she comes that I'll end up with lots of interventions anyway. I'm not liking any of that.

For a first timer, how long does it normally take to get from a soft cervix to actually going into labor?

Hey Tenar,

I posted in our belly buddies thread but thought I'd post in here too.

A click of a finger...just a matter of when that finger will click iykwim!

Soft is awesome and on the way there!! Your body knows what to do, can do it and is doing it seeing as it is soft!! I know how hard it is to stress but give yourself time, statistically the average pregnancy length for 1st timers is 40+8 and obviously early inductions would alter this date a lot.

Hopefully Alan or another middy on here might drop in and offer some more medical based advice but your body is doing perfectly!!

sounds like it is all on the right track...best of luck

If it makes you feel any better.... My worst labour with the most interventions and the most traumatic result --- was my smallest baby. Little 6 pound nothing caused all the trouble.

Sounds like your body knows what its doing so just trust it. You'll do fine - so long as you relax and don't fight it or fear it!

Thanks everyone. I do hope you are all right about this. But I do wish I knew how long it would take me to go from now to labor naturally.