By Lindsey VanAlstyne, LCCE
Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator, Doula & Founder of Mother Rising
When I was pregnant with my son, I promised myself I wouldn't ask about my cervical dilation at prenatal appointments. I knew the temptation – those numbers would make me start guessing when labor would begin and how my birth would unfold.
My Experience: When Knowledge Didn't Help
Of course, my curiosity won. Starting at 35 weeks, I requested vaginal exams. The results? 2-3 cm dilated and 40% effaced.
I could have spiraled into worry about early labor or assumed my birth would be quick because I was already partially dilated. But I didn't because I understood a fundamental truth about pregnancy:
Your cervix cannot predict your labor.
What Dilation Actually Tells You (And What It Doesn't)
Here's what cervical checks reveal: how your body has prepared for birth so far. That's it.
What dilation, effacement, and station CANNOT tell you:
- When labor will start
- How long labor will last
- How challenging or straightforward your birth will be
Real Examples From My Practice
Through years of supporting birthing families, I've seen every scenario:
- Not dilated at your appointment? You could go into labor that night – or in two weeks.
- Already 4-5 cm dilated? Your baby might arrive tomorrow – or you might carry for another 10 days.
- Even at 10 cm during pushing? There's still no predicting how long this final stage will take.
Why Care Providers Should Stop Making Predictions
Stepping into the unknown is the essence of labor, birth, and parenthood. When care providers predict delivery timing based on cervical measurements, they create false expectations that rarely align with reality.
I understand why it happens – sitting in uncertainty alongside an anxious parent is difficult. It feels helpful to offer something concrete. But these predictions do more harm than good.
The more compassionate approach? Hold space for expecting parents as they navigate uncertainty rather than offering false certainty.
Making Your Own Decision
Only you can decide whether cervical checks serve you during pregnancy. Some parents find the information empowering; others find it creates unhelpful anticipation.
Questions to consider:
- Will knowing my dilation help me prepare emotionally?
- Or will it fuel anxiety and unrealistic expectations?
- Does my care provider understand that these numbers aren't predictive?
Trust yourself to know what information serves your journey best.
What was your experience? Did you choose to know your dilation status during pregnancy? Share how it impacted your birth preparation in the comments below.
Next steps: Tips From A Doula: How to Choose a Doula
About the Author: Lindsey VanAlstyne is a Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator (LCCE), doula, placenta specialist, and childbirth assistant. She founded Mother Rising in 2010 to provide evidence-based, holistic resources for new parents and birth workers.
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