If you’re 3cm dilated 38 weeks pregnant and your cervix has dilated 3 centimeters, that means your body is getting ready for labor. This doesn’t mean that labor will necessarily start immediately – dilation can happen slowly over several weeks – but it’s a good sign that things are progressing. During the final few weeks of pregnancy, baby is dropping lower into your pelvis in preparation for birth.
This process, called lightening, can cause some discomfort as your ribs expand to make room. You may also notice an increase in Braxton Hicks contractions – these are usually painless, but can be quite strong and uncomfortable at times.
If you’re 3cm dilated at 37 weeks to 38 weeks, there’s a good chance you’ll go into labor within the next few weeks.
However, every pregnancy is different and some women don’t start dilating until much closer to their due date. If you’re feeling anxious about when labor will start, talk to your doctor or midwife about what to expect.
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How 3cm Dilated Should I Be at 38 Weeks?
Pregnancy is a beautiful time in a woman’s life.
The creation of life is an amazing process to witness and be a part of. As the baby grows and develops inside the mother’s womb, the mother’s body also goes through many changes.
One change that occurs towards the end of pregnancy is cervical dilation. Cervical dilation is when the cervix, or opening of the uterus, begins to open up and thin out in preparation for labor and delivery. It is normal for a woman to be slightly dilated at 38 weeks pregnant.
In fact, some women may even be 1-2 cm dilated at this point without even realizing it! While being slightly dilated at 38 weeks pregnant is perfectly normal, it does not necessarily mean that labor will start immediately.
Sometimes labor can start soon after becoming dilated, but other times it can take days or even weeks for things to get underway.
It all just depends on baby’s individual timeline! If you are curious about your own cervical dilation status, your healthcare provider can check during a routine prenatal appointment. They will simply insert two fingers into your va*gina and feel around for how open your cervix has become.
Once they have determined how far along you are in terms of dilation, they will let you know what to expect next!
How Long Does It Take to Be Fully Dilated from 3Cm?
It takes on average 12-14 hours to dilate from 3cm to 10cm. However, this number can differ based on a woman’s individual physiology and the strength of her contractions.
Will Hospital Send You Home at 3 Cm Dilated?
The answer to this question depends on the hospital’s policies and procedures. In some cases, women who are 3 cm dilated may be sent home if they are not in active labor and their contractions are not progressing. However, other hospitals may require women to stay in the hospital once they reach 3 cm dilation.
Ultimately, it is up to the hospital to decide whether or not to send a woman home at 3 cm dilation.
Conclusion
If you’re dilated to 3 centimeters and 38 weeks pregnant, that means your cervix has opened up quite a bit in preparation for labor. This doesn’t necessarily mean that labor is imminent, but it’s a good sign that your body is getting ready. There are a few things you can do to help things along, like walking and staying hydrated.
The most important thing is to relax and let your body do its thing.
