[davejag]

I went to see my dr today because of bleeding and he did an exam finally and said "well your contracting and your cervix is soft and short" he figures it won't be much longer. When he says my cervix is soft and short what does that exactly mean? I feel stupid not knowing these answers so I never want to ask him.

[DoulaLC]

The cervix starts to go through several changes as birth draws near in preparation. It will shorten, start to soften, thin out, move forward, and may start to dilate. There is no real rhymn or reason as to how these will go or when. It is a sign things are getting ready. One woman may have a cervix that is firm and closed, but go into labor two days later, where another woman may walk around for 2 weeks 3 cm dilated and 100% effaced, or thinned out.
These are also what are used in what is known as Bishops Score... when your cervix is given a "score" as to how favorable it may or may not be when an induction is being considered. More points for more of the changes that have taken place... higher the score, more likely an induction will go smoothly. Low score... may mean someone being induced for a couple of days... not fun.

[davejag]

Well I did speak to him about not being induced this week and just waiting at least till my due date. So I am just hoping that the baby comes before I have to be induced, but a week ago my cervix was closed hard and long, so I have made some progress. Lets just see how long it will take I just don't like the sounds of my cervix still being high.

[DoulaLC]

Try not to worry... things can change in a day. Try to keep busy, take naps, etc.. There is just no way to know for sure when it will happen... but you are in that "anytime" stage now... :)