when can the doctor tell...

if you are starting to dilate? I know that some women dilate a few centimeters and then stay like that for weeks sometimes! But does that mean the Dr. did an internal? I mean obviously....but why would they - does it become more routine as you go along? I have an appt. tomorrow and I am 35 weeks and 4 days. I think I start going weekly after this one - or bi-weekly. I am just wondering what they'll start telling me. Like can they tell the weight and if I am still on target with expected delivery date?

Re: when can the doctor tell...

They have to do an internal to tell how much you are dilated. They judge by how much of their fingers can get in. If they want to speed things along they may do an aggressive internal. Yikes!!! I had one and I thought my Dr. was Edward Scissorhands.

Re: when can the doctor tell...

I started going to the dr. every 2 weeks at 32 weeks. This Thursday I'll be 36 weeks, and I'll start going weekly and getting internals! I don't know about the weight thing though... I'm having another ultrasound on Thursday to see how big he's gotten in 1 month. The only reason they're doing this is because my uterus and the baby has been measuring larger than it should be at each appointment. Sorry I can't help with the other questions!