How important is getting checked for dilation?

Question

I just asked a question and some people were concerned with the fact that I am almost 39 weeks and have only been checked once for dilation. But my doctor doesnt seem to view it as a priority.

Once you are four + centimeters dilated cant you tell by the intensity of the contractions?

I was told to come in once my water broke or if my contractions were unbearable or once they were 5 mins apart...so this was my plan. Is this the wrong way to think? Should I be asking to be checked for dilation.

Answer 1

Im 39 weeks also and the only reason that i have been checked is because i went to labor and delivery because i thought my water had broke. I have a doctors appointment 2maro so i will probably be checked then. I guess my doctor is like yours and doesnt see a need to always be checking if im dilated. It really cant tell you how long it will be until you go into labor but it is fun to know :)

Answer 2

I never got checked until I was 40 weeks.  Its not really all that important until you go overdue if you ask me.  Some people are just in such a hurry to have their baby, and don't care that it may not be time yet.  I think you are doing just fine the way you are, you are waiting for your baby to decide its time to come out!  When you go overdue though, I think you should get checked, because then it will be time to discuss induction.

Answer 3

It's not important at all.

As long as your pregnancy is not high-risk, there's no need to be checked for dilation.  Your doctor's advice was correct.

Since you're 39 weeks, you are safe to deliver at any time now.  You'll know when it's time to call the doctor and head for the hospital!

Answer 4

My doctor checked me every week from 36 weeks for my dialation. This is there way of seeing how the baby is progressing as to when it will be ready and to make sure everything is happening, so no emergency c-sections will have to be made!

Answer 5

Dilation checks aren't necessary as far along as you are ...they

aren't an accurate indicator of how far away labor is

You could be high and closed (cervix) once checked only to be dilated

and half effaced an hour later

If you want to be checked,don't be shy to ask !

Congrats & Good LUCK!