1cm dilated with number 2...does this mean labour soon??

[MrsEvs]

Quick question - I am 38 weeks pg with number 2 and was checked by midwife today who said I was 50 % effaced and 1 cm dilated (same mw saw me`last week and there was no dilation) - does that mean labour is imminent??

I know that you can be dilated like that for a while with a first baby, but I thought once you got started with number 2 you were off - anyone know if that's true?? I was 10 days over with dd and was expecting another late one, but maybe not...

I'm not sure I was in agony when I was 1cm dilated with no.2 so went to the hospital and nearly died of embarrassment when they told me I was only 1 cm as i'd gone in at 5 cm with my dd. However 20 mins after they sent me home I came back and was 8 cm then had ds about 20 mins later!

I was slightly dilated in the last weeks with ds2 - he finally made his appearance 10 days late!

I was told with your 2nd you prob will dilate slightly but it can mean nothing.

i've heard that because the cervix has been stretched to capacity before it tends to dilate slightly in the last week or so of subsequent pregnancies due to the pressure of baby dropping down. not in everyone but some

even heard of a woman who was 3cm dilated for two weeks ant the end of her fourth preg! (it was her fourth in 5 years which might have made a differance)

I started a thread like this in October last year, except I was 4 cms dilated!!!

4 days later waters broke.

3 days later contractions started!! Went to hospital unable to walk or talk as contractions so strong and regular. MW put on bed had a wee look and confirmed "Oh 4cms dilated"

AHHHHHHHHHH

Oh 3rd baby BTW and she was born 4 hours later!!

Thanks for the responses - can't believe you were at 4cms for a week tartan lass!!!! Looks like it doesn't necessarily mean an awful lot then, which is good in a way, since I am out in the US and my Mum isn't flying out to help until April 10th!!

Fingers crossed for you MrsEvs - keep us updated!!!