Can i be dilated at 32 weeks

Treatments may include:. Progesterone shots—If you have had a preterm birth with a single baby, and you are pregnant with a singleton again, you may be offered progesterone shots starting at 16 to 24 weeks of pregnancy. This hormone may help prevent another preterm birth. These shots are usually continued weekly until 36 weeks, unless delivery happens sooner. Vaginal progesterone—This treatment may be given if you have not had a preterm birth before, but you have a very short cervix at 24 weeks of pregnancy or earlier.

Vaginal progesterone is a gel or suppository that you place in your vagina every day until 37 weeks, unless delivery happens sooner. Cerclage —If you have a short cervix and have had a preterm birth before, a procedure called cerclage also may be done. In cerclage, the cervix is closed with one or more stitches. No, bed rest is not recommended for women at risk of preterm birth. Bed rest can increase the risk of blood clots, bone weakening, and loss of muscle strength.

Cerclage : A procedure in which the cervical opening is closed with stitches to prevent or delay preterm birth. Cerebral Palsy : A disorder of the nervous system that affects movement, posture, and coordination. This disorder is present at birth. Complications : Diseases or conditions that happen as a result of another disease or condition. An example is pneumonia that occurs as a result of the flu.

A complication also can occur as a result of a condition, such as pregnancy. An example of a pregnancy complication is preterm labor. Corticosteroids : Drugs given for arthritis or other medical conditions. These drugs also are given to help fetal lungs mature before birth. Fetal Fibronectin : A protein that is produced by fetal cells. It helps the amniotic sac stay connected to the lining of the uterus.

Fetus : The stage of human development beyond 8 completed weeks after fertilization. Gestational Age : How far along a woman is in her pregnancy, usually reported in weeks and days. Hormone : A substance made in the body that controls the function of cells or organs. Magnesium Sulfate : A drug that may help prevent cerebral palsy when it is given to women in preterm labor who may deliver before 32 weeks of pregnancy. Neonatologist : A doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders that affect newborn infants.

Progesterone : A female hormone that is made in the ovaries and prepares the lining of the uterus for pregnancy. Transvaginal Ultrasound Exam : A type of ultrasound in which the device is placed in your vagina.

Ultrasound Exam : A test in which sound waves are used to examine inner parts of the body. During pregnancy, ultrasound can be used to check the fetus. Uterus : A muscular organ in the female pelvis. During pregnancy, this organ holds and nourishes the fetus. Copyright by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. All rights reserved. Read copyright and permissions information.

This information is designed as an educational aid for the public. It offers current information and opinions related to women's health. It is not intended as a statement of the standard of care. It does not explain all of the proper treatments or methods of care. It is not a substitute for the advice of a physician. Signs and symptoms include the following: Mild abdominal cramps, with or without diarrhea A change in type of vaginal discharge—watery, bloody, or with mucus An increase in the amount of discharge Pelvic or lower abdominal pressure Constant, low, dull backache Regular or frequent contractions or uterine tightening, often painless Ruptured membranes your water breaks with a gush or a trickle of fluid If you have any signs or symptoms of preterm labor, do not wait.

I was cm and had no idea. So, unless there is noted progression or effacement being slightly dilated is normal. I ended up delivering around 38w4d. But was dilated to 1 at 32 weeks also. It can stay that way for a long time. He came a week early. I work till 38 weeks and everyone at work thought I was going to have the baby at any time.

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Newest First. Violation Reported. How effaced are you? I am not thinning yet. So hopefully you have at least a few more weeks. Your Guide to the First Trimester of Pregnancy. Your Guide to the Second Trimester of Pregnancy.

Develop and improve products. List of Partners vendors. In most pregnancies, the cervix remains long and closed until late in the third trimester. At this point, your baby starts to drop down into the pelvis. This puts pressure on the cervix, causing it to thin out or efface and open up or dilate in preparation for labor.

Once labor begins, contractions and the descent of the baby will cause your cervix to dilate fully, allowing your baby to enter the birth canal and, ultimately, be born.

Cervical dilation is measured in centimeters. Your cervix must dilate from zero to 10 centimeters before your baby can be born. As you get closer to your due date, your cervix may start to dilate without you realizing it. Your doctor or midwife will be able to tell if this is happening when they do a routine cervical check.

Some providers will check your cervix between the 35th and 37th weeks of pregnancy, when they do your group B strep GBS screening. Other providers will wait until closer to your due date, or only check your cervix if you are having some contractions.

At 1 cm dilated, the cervical opening is approximately the width of your index finger. When it gets to 10 cm, with the help of contractions during active labor, it will be about the width of a large bagel.

The big question you may have about being dilated is whether or not that means that your baby is likely to be born soon. While being dilated is certainly a positive step towards labor, in and of itself it is not a sign of labor or even that labor is coming in a certain amount of time.

When the cervix dilates painlessly without any contractions, it is a condition called "incompetent cervix. An incompetent cervix can be caused by damage during surgeries that involve the cervix such as a LEEP procedure, dilation and curettage or abortion, damage during a previous birth, or congenital abnormalities. An incompetent cervix is not routinely checked for during pregnancy and therefore is not usually diagnosed until after a second or third-trimester pregnancy loss has occurred.

If you or your doctor suspect that you may have an incompetent cervix, your doctor can evaluate you early in pregnancy. Usually, a diagnosis can be made by serial ultrasounds used to measure the cervical opening and the length of the cervix. If an incompetent cervix is caught early enough, a procedure known as a cerclage, in which the cervix is stitched closed, can be performed. This treatment may prevent pregnancy loss or preterm birth.

In addition to dilating, your cervix will also start to efface late in pregnancy.