How do u know if ur dilated?

Question

I'm currently 38+5 and have been readin some womens stories about how far dialated they are at the same stage as me. Surely no doc or midwife would check (do an internal examination) b4 a due date and yet all these women seem 2 know. I've had a few pains 2day and would like to know if I have started dilating as I've had 2 very painful 'back labours' (lots of back pain and preasure the whole way thru) with my 2 boys. Thanks

Answer 1

Their midwife or Dr. will do an internal exam and tell them. MANY Dr's. for whatever reason here in the US check's for dilation at around 37 weeks even though they shouldn't.

Answer 2

Your practitioner will do a cervical dilation check to see if you are dilated. Even though you can't estimate when you will go into labor , they check your dilation around 35-37 weeks. Also , some women DO want to know how much they are dilated. A good OBGYN or Midwife would check a woman's dilation before her due date , but when they are in the last few weeks pregnancy.