anyone know what all these signs mean?

[chester21]

went to see midwife 2 days ago for my 40 week check she did a sweep for me and confirmed that i am 50% effeaced (what does that mean?) she also said that i had done a lot of the work before (does that mean i have started to dilate) She could feel babys head does this mean that things are getting started all be it a bit slowly

I was asking the same question on another thread. I also had a sweep yesterday at 40+4 and was 50% effaced but haven't started to dilate yet. Apparently, you can only start to dilate when you are close to 100% effaced (unless you have had a baby before, in which case your cervix never fully re-closes).

Did she mention whether your cervix was firm or softening (apparently this is important, mine was still firm....? If you read your notes, she should have written most of the important findings in there from your sweep.

Good-luck!

she said that my cervix was soft. i have had enough now and all through today i had really unconfortable searing pain in my back, hips and inner thighs. god moving is hard and very painful.

how are you doing

good luck to you all, effaced is when the cervix begins to shorten in readiness for labour, its sounds as if your on the way chester21,

well i am hoping so i am in so in pain today got a hot searing pain in my back moving to the front and down between my legs so painful that my leg gives way OMG the pain is unbeleivable the bath hasnt worked like last time and paracetamol is useless.

Do you know if your baby is facing front or back?
I didn't realise I was in labour with ds1 because he was back to back so pain was all in my back - which wasn't what I was expecting.

Just thinking if the paracetamol is useless..

Good luck.

not sure which way he is facing but i have heard that if he is back to back its more painful........just my luck if thats the case. lol. got a wheat bag that u put ibn the microwave which is making it more bareable baby moving well