Went to the doctor today, got a lovely cervical exam. I told my mom that I know now why she sent a nurse flying across the room when she was in labor with me. There is nothing pleasant about this exam.
But anyway, the news is good. I am 50% effaced (thinned) and I am 1 cm dilated. Here is an explanation:
Cervix thins and shortens. The cervix begins to thin and shorten during prelabour (known as 'effacement'). The cervix is normally 3- 5cm thick. It needs to become paper-thin before it can dilate past 3 cms.
The thinning and shortening of the cervix is measured by the caregiver in terms of percentages. A thick, or 'uneffaced' cervix (0%) indicates that the cervix is unripe, feeling long and thick to touch. When the cervix is paper-thin, or 'fully effaced' (100%) it has been mostly pulled up into the lower segment of the uterine wall, allowing it then to dilate more than 3 cms.
Cervix opens. When the cervix is opening up (or dilating) it is measured by the caregiver in centimetres. A completely open cervix is approximately 10cm (The width of your baby's head). The cervix can be closed or up to 2 - 3 centimetres dilated before the strong labour begins.
The opening, thinning and pulling up of the cervix tends to happen simultaneously. The cervix cannot open beyond approximately 3 to 4cm until it has thinned or 'effaced' to 100 %. And the cervix can not thin and shorten (efface) without starting to open (dilate). A thick or very thin cervix up to 3 to 4cm dilation is usually classified as the prelabour stage of labour.
Also, she said that even though the ultrasound measured him 6lbs, 10oz, that often the ultrasound measures a little bigger than true size. So she thinks there is a very good chance that I'll be able to have him naturally. She said that aggressive weight gain from now on would be 1/2 lb a week. So if he's closer to 6 lbs, then we're looking at an 8 or 8.5 lb baby. So we'll see how things progress from here.
Other than that, Steve's mom came over and helped him put the crib and changing table together. His room is finally starting to look like a baby room! Tomorrow when I have more energy, I'll do a little more in there.
Other than that, I can definatly tell he's dropped. My back pain went from mid back to lower back, and there is constant pressure in my lower regions. The doc said during the exam she could feel his head, so he's definatly "getting into position". Things have actually felt different today since the exam, which really makes no sense...but I've just felt more pressure and pain since this morning.
I guess I have no room to complain. I've had an easy pregnancy up until now. At some point I'd have to pay my dues. I guess that time is now.
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