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01-08-2013 at 2:02 PM
BBS!
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Question about first internal exam

I'm 36 weeks and had my first internal exam at my doctor's appt today.  I had a question. The doctor said my cervix was "completely closed but soft" and that she could feel his head was right there. I'm guessing that me being closed is a good sign that I have weeks left to go, but does it being "soft" mean anything? I know stupid questions, but I'm a first time mom.
 
01-08-2013 at 2:05 PM
mben1119
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Soft is good. A firm cervix usually isn't close to starting to dilate. A soft cervix is more favorable to dilation. None of it really means anything anyway, as you can go from 0-10 in no time flat, or be 3-4 cm dilated for weeks.

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01-08-2013 at 2:09 PM
BBS!
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Thanks, that is helpful. I know a lot can change fast (or slow!) but that helps some with knowing where I am!
 
01-08-2013 at 2:27 PM
sbevmc09
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Soft refers to effacement, which is typically measured in percentages.  It probably means that you're just not measurably effaced yet, but that you will likely be soon.

Closed but soft (or any measure of dilation and effacement) doesn't really give any indication of when labor will begin though.  You likely have weeks to go regardless of what your cervix is doing just because most women won't give birth until around 40 weeks or so anyway. 


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01-08-2013 at 3:08 PM
sthomas122...
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mabenner1:
Soft is good. A firm cervix usually isn't close to starting to dilate. A soft cervix is more favorable to dilation. None of it really means anything anyway, as you can go from 0-10 in no time flat, or be 3-4 cm dilated for weeks.

 

Like this says, really doesn't mean anything. Had my first (and only) exam today and I was told 3-4cm, 50% effaced. You could easily go into labor before me, you never know... 


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