2Nd Pregnancy--did You Stay Dilated Longer than with Your First?

I did not dilate at all with my first, and he was born a few days after his due date. I was induced because I was leaking fluid and did not go into labor. I did not dilate with my second, either, and my water broke just over 3 weeks early, so I was induced again. I was also dilated less than a centimeter at my last appointment (36 weeks) with my third, and am reminding myself he might come late, too, I have no way of knowing. I pretty much don't pay attention to what they say about dilating because it really says so little about when the baby will arrive, even though it is easy to get excited and hope to meet them earlier! (And be able to roll over in bed!)

I was dilated to 3cm for three long weeks!! I think that made my labor waaay quicker tho - I was at an 8 and didn't even know I was in labor (just happened to have my dr appt that day and he checked me)... not regular contractions or anything until I was at 9 and they had to break my water as she was coming out.

I have known moms who have been dilated for weeks. One of my friend's doctors had convinced her that she was going to have a 37 week baby since that is what her previous one had been. She was dilated to 2 and ended up going to 41 plus weeks. Some OBs don't even check. As you see from what some of the other moms say it doesn't always matter. I think some moms do tend to deliver earlier. I knew another who went into labor with three at 37 weeks only to have her 4th go to almost 42. I would encourage you to be patient. Babies come when they are ready. jSome of it depends upon their position.

Longer, and more!
I was dialted between 3-4, 90% effaced for 2 weeks, and never went into labor on my own.
Wound up inducing at 39weeks, 4 days. Got tired of waiting! :)

my second baby 2 wks longer. i think everyone is different though.