[karystos]

I am 37 weeks and my cervix is rock hard and closed.
The dr said that I should be soft and a little dilated by now.
I may need to be induced or worse, a c-section.

Anyone hear of this ??
Is there anything I can do in the meantime to help it along???

1st child and concerned.

[nrudolph0578]

My cervix was closed the whole pregnancy. I opted to have a c section at 39 weeks because I was not progressing at all cervix wise, but was having painful contractions that were regular and lasted over 14 hours. C section was a much easier route for me but everyone is different. Also, it is not uncommon for your first pregnancy to have no dilation up until actual labor. Good luck.

[wtnganother1]

With DS, my cervix didn't change at all. Because of hbp, they wanted me to deliver by my due date. During that last week, I went to the hospital for prostaglandins to soften my cervix. After 3 days of this, my cervix hadn't changed at all. At all. And maybe 1 cm dialated, which I was before the three days. The next day my water broke, but I wasn't having contractions. After about 6 hours of pitocin, I was at about 5 cm, but he wasn't dropping like he should have been, and he was in distress, so I ended up with a C-section. If I hadn't had the hbp, they prob would have let me wait for my body to change on its own and have the baby on its own terms. But, that isn't what happened. I just don't think my body was ready yet. But I didn't have the luxury of waiting - the chances of other complications was too great. I didn't want the C-section, but he was in distress, and I wanted a healthy baby.

All of this being said, I think your cervix can change quickly when labor starts and you may have no problem. It's so not reassuring to have no idea how it's all going to happen. Just hang onto the thought that you'll hold your baby soon and that's what you'll care about.

[Heatherly]

If you haven't yet been amazed by the female body, the next 3 weeks will amaze you. You have 3 weeks until you are 40 weeks. Don't let the Dr make you think that its not going to happen because it will. There is a lot of power in your thoughts right now.

If he/she wants you to schedule a c-section tell him you will talk about it in your 40th week. At least, that is what I would tell my Dr. There is nothing I regret more than being cornered by my last OB to induce and winding up with a c-sec at the birth of my son.

I wish you easy labor vibes!!!

[karystos]

Thank you ladies!
I will try positive thoughts!

[AdaRuts]

Karystos - Just because you are not dialated yet, doesn't mean you won't be by "showtime". I was between 1 1/2 cm and 2 1/2 cm dialated and 50% effaced for over a month before my due date. I ended up having to be induced at 41 weeks because of extremely low AFI. Being induced sucked, but I survived and gave birth vaginally 9 hours after the pitocin started. If just goes to show you that it can go either way. I thought I would go early because I had started to efface so quickly... but nope.

Good luck and congrats on your impending birth!!!!

[dizzyb]

I had the opposite problem, I was 5 cm for weeks before I had DS. When I went in to the hospital I was 7cm, but they still had to use pitocin because I wouldn't go any further on my own. I tell you this, because you never know! I thought for sure I would progress, because I had progressed so far well before the due date.

[Lauralillies529]

No worries. Ive never had a baby but Im a labor and delivery nurse. I wouldn't go in for an induction until 40-41 weeks unless your cervix becomes more favorable. Unless there is a medical reason for induction. Ive admitted many 41 weekers closed/thick/and high or finger tip. After some cervical ripening (we use cytotec) most go on to deliver vaginally. You've got a few weeks for your body to kick in. You could try some nipple stimulation to get you contracting a little. If you have any other questions just ask. Good luck!

[tracys16]

karystos- I am right there with you. When I had my Ultrasound last week they told me the same thing. Both our little ones are on their own schedules. I am just hoping by the time I go back to my OB next thursday (yeah a week and a half between appts) either i'm ready to go or have already been there. Keep trying to think positively that your body knows what it needs to do. I don't want to start thinking that I'm heading to a C-section unless I have to.