Effacement question

Not for me--I'm not effaced at all yet--but for my sister.

She is due on 9/10. She is 2 or 3 cm (I forgot) dilated and 75% effaced as of this past Thursday (was 60% the week before). A brief history...she had her son at 38 weeks three years ago after going into preterm labor that was stopped with medication at 34 weeks. This time around she's been contracting irregularly since about 25 weeks, but no preterm labor. She is 37 1/2 weeks now.

OK, so the question...do you think she's going to have the baby really soon? I know you can walk around dilated for weeks, but what about effaced? Is one more important than the other in terms of impending labor?

Sorry for rambling, but I'm just an excited auntie-to-be (again!)

Re: Effacement question

Yes, you can walk around effaced for weeks

I was hospitalized at 35 weeks for preterm labor. I was apparently contracting regularly (but didn't know it), was 1 cm dialated and just about 100% effaced (my cervix had been thick just one week before). I was put on magnesium sulfate for 8 days to bring me to 36 weeks. I am now 39 weeks (this Friday) STILL 100% effaced, baby is very low at +1station and 2-3 cm dialated............................AND NOTHING!!!!!

SO, to answer your question, I've been 100% effaced since the end of July and still have no baby. They keep saying I'm ready and it could be anyday or I could go past my due date

Good Luck!

Message edited 8/24/2005 10:47:29 AM.