39 w 3 days and 2 cm dilated

I just left my doc appt. and I'm 2 centimeters dilated. this is my second child.

The doctor didn't seem that phased by it and he knew I was going back to work and didn't tell me not to.

my aunt, who is a nurse and has 4 kids so she does sort of know what she's talking about, said I should go home immediately bc with a 2nd child I can go from 2cm to baby in a very short time.

What do you ladies think? am I crazy for coming back to work? Can't I be 2 cm for a while?

I would love to leave work and make this my last day but I don't want to if I could potentially have another week before the baby comes.

39 w 3 days and 2 cm dilated

I might go back just for today, but after that I'd start leave. I doubt you have another full week to go, but it's possible. Honestly, it depends on your job, and where you are compared to the hospital, how close DH is. If you start going into labor at work, you don't want to be driving yourself anywhere, so that's just my personal preference. And yes, I've heard the same from many other people with second children and more.

39 w 3 days and 2 cm dilated

If you're not having contractions regularly then I wouldn't worry about it. Is your work far from home and the hospital? That would be the only thing that would make me more likely to make it your last day. I've definitely heard of women being 2 cm for a long time.

Re: 39 w 3 days and 2 cm dilated

Actually my work is closer to the hospital. I guess I would just want time to get things together and spend time with my DD. but i'll just go home as soon as I feel something.

Thanks for your responses.

39 w 3 days and 2 cm dilated

I went from 4cm to her head crowning within 90 minutes with my first, but I was already in the hospital with insane contractions. So yes - you could progress quickly - but like pp said - if you aren't contracting I wouldn't worry.

39 w 3 days and 2 cm dilated

I wouldn't worry unless you're having contractions.

I'd probably try to work from home until the baby's born though, if that's possible

Re: 39 w 3 days and 2 cm dilated

I was 3cm for 6 weeks with my second. If you're not having contractions I wouldn't make much of it. The hospital likely would not admit you at 2cm unless you were having regular painful contractions. Obviously your body is getting ready, best thing to do is keep moving and be aware of how you feel. Good luck!

Re: 39 w 3 days and 2 cm dilated

I was 3 cm from 37 weeks till I delivered at 41 weeks. I have a very physical job and my OB was sure I would go early, nope :)

39 w 3 days and 2 cm dilated

Maybe try working from home? I was 2cm at my 36 week appointment, which I had at 36w5d. DS was born just a few days later at 37w2d!

But there really isn't any way to know. My sister was 2cm for like 2 weeks!

Re: 39 w 3 days and 2 cm dilated

It's possible to be 2cm and stay at 2cm for weeks. Just keep your hospital bag in the car and ready to go.

39 w 3 days and 2 cm dilated

I was 2cm at 36 weeks.. and I was a week late.. I went to the dr at 41 w for an exam the night before my induction.. I was still only 2 cm. I went into labor 4 hours later.. after 1 hour went to the hospital and was 7 cm.. so you can stay 2 cm for a long time and things can also change quickly.. bc I experienced both!! This was with my first pregnancy too..

39 w 3 days and 2 cm dilated

at my 38 week appt with my second, i was 1.5cm. At my 40 week appt, I was still 1.5cm. 12 hours later i was in labor and when i got to the hospital i was 7cm

Re: 39 w 3 days and 2 cm dilated

My first was four days early so I expected my second to be early too. At 36 weeks I was 60% effaced and 2cm dilated so I went straight home and packed my bag but didn't change my schedule, thank goodness. I progressed at every single appointment but ended up being induced at 41 weeks because she was just fine in there. You can't plan. I would work until I was definitely in labor if I were you.

39 w 3 days and 2 cm dilated

It could mean nothing, honestly. I was 2cm for 3 weeks and still had to be induced. I wouldn't be concerned unless you have contractions.,