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Childbirth/2cm at 35 weeks

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Expert: - 4/24/2009


Question
My daughter is at 35 weeks.  The baby dropped about 4 weeks ago and she started losing fluid 2 weeks ago.  She had appt. today and the doctor said the fluid level was fine but she is already dilated 2cm.  How long can it possibly be before she goes into labor, if already 2cm?

Answer
That's good to hear that the fluid level is fine.  The fluid level normally does drop towards the end of pregnancy and the test for fluid level can also be affected by the mother being dehydrated or the position of the baby.

Being 2 cm is no indication of when a woman is going to go into labor.  She could be 2 cm until well past her due date, or she could have already had her baby by the time you read this.

I wish your daughter the best of luck with the rest of her pregnancy.  Enjoy your grandbaby!  

Childbirth

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Dorothy H, LCCE

Expertise

As a certified childbirth educator and birth doula, I can answer questions dealing with preparing for birth, childbirth classes, pregnancy, what happens during labor and birth, doulas, VBAC, natural childbirth, cesarean birth, interventions in labor, labor, birth, helping someone through labor, concerns or fears about labor and birth, doulas, breastfeeding, and other topics dealing with pregnancy, labor, and birth.

Experience

Since 2004, I have taught childbirth education classes focused on helping couples gain confidence, make decisions for their birth, and give them tools for helping them get the birth they want. Since 2004, I have also attended births in local hospitals as a birth doula (as of 8/10, I have attended 120 births) so I am able to see firsthand what is working in helping couples deal with labor. I am also a mom of five children, and have various birth experiences myself, including unmedicated birth and a cesarean.

Organizations
Lamaze International DONA International

Publications
International Doula Magazine

Education/Credentials
I am a Lamaze-certified childbirth educator. I am a DONA-certified birth doula.

Past/Present Clients
I work with approximately 4-6 couples a month with my childbirth classes. I attend 2 births a month with doula clients.

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