37 (almost 38!) weeks with a question for BTDT Moms!

So at my 37 week appointment last night, dr. said I am not at all dilated and the baby is still much higher than he would have liked it to be at this point. He said it may be a problem if the baby doesn't "fit" right. For some reason, I didn't think to ask him what that may mean, but I was sooo disappointed when I left there.

I just thought that by this point we'd really be starting to get close - if you know what I mean! Like he would tell me that I was starting to dialate or something.

Is it normal to not be showing signs that things are getting close at this point? Is 3 weeks still too early? I mean, the dr. was in no way concerned, but I'm just wondering how these last few weeks progressed for other people. Thanks!

Message edited 4/25/2003 2:02:20 PM.

Re: 37 (almost 38!) weeks with a question for BTDT Moms!

is this your first? My OB-GYN told me most forst time moms tend to go 2 weeks late. But I think I proved her wrong when I went 3 weeks early.

So to answer your question, I think it is normal not to be showing signs yet.

Re: 37 (almost 38!) weeks with a question for BTDT Moms!

j HAD DROPPED AND WAS HEAD DOWN BY THANKSGIVING...AND I STILL WAS 2 WEEKS LATE!

Re: 37 (almost 38!) weeks with a question for BTDT Moms!

This is my first. The baby is head down, just not dropped far enough...I know first timers can go late, I just really want this baby born when it's due! Sounds like babies are just going to come when they are ready! Thanks.

Re: 37 (almost 38!) weeks with a question for BTDT Moms!

Lee, you hit the nail on the head! My baby was head down for weeks and weeks - and I even started dilating to about 3-4 cm, which gave me false hope of early delivery, but Paul was born right on his due date.

Hang in there - I remember the last few weeks went Veeeeerrrrrryyyyyy Sllllllllooooooooooowwwww.

Re: 37 (almost 38!) weeks with a question for BTDT Moms!

I was dilated 2cm from 38 weeks and didnt move any further till I went into labor !
The baby was also very high around 38w for me.

Its amazing what the body does..
Everything will fall into place. Dont be worried!

Re: 37 (almost 38!) weeks with a question for BTDT Moms!

Well, now comes the big decision about my leave. I was going to start working from home the week before the week I am due. Problem is I only get 1 week "working from home" time and then only 8 weeks maternity leave. I hate to waste my leave up front when I'd much rather have more time at home with the baby...at the same time I absolutely DREAD the thought of dragging myself into the city for another 2 to 3 weeks - I have no idea what I should do! If only babies could be trusted to come ON TIME!! Thanks ladies!!

Re: 37 (almost 38!) weeks with a question for BTDT Moms!

Not a BTDT Mom (yet) but I hear you on the commute into NYC. I am sooo thankfully that my boss has already agreed to give me 4-5 weeks at home before the baby is born so I don't have to do the commute.
Speak to your doctor about this. Many will put you on disability early. Tell him you are so uncomfortable on the train and so afraid you will go into labor while at work. He may tell your employeer you have to start staying home asap. It cannot hurt to ask him/her.
Then your employeer cannot say anything. By law you are allowed a full 6-8 weeks for recovery.

Re: 37 (almost 38!) weeks with a question for BTDT Moms!

Wow, Lee!!! You're almost there!!! I hate the commute, too and I'm only 30 weeks!!

I originally planned on staying until 39 weeks, but DH and I decided this week that I'm leaving at 37!! I can barely handle it now!! I have to stand sometimes b/c commuters are SO rude!!!!!!!!
OK, I digressed and vented...

Hang in there, your baby will be here so soon!!!

Re: 37 (almost 38!) weeks with a question for BTDT Moms!

Well depending on what the doctor says next week, I may try to stick it out in the office until week 39. That's only 2 more weeks and 1 more than I planned. I just would like a little peaceful resting time at home before the baby comes. The interesting thing is that NYS disability law does not apply to companies with less than 100 employees and who pay for their own disability policy. That's why my leave works the way it does. It's fairly crappy but what can I do?

I am sooo sick of the rude commuters too Kathi! It's unbelieveable!! I finally discovered an easier way to get to my office from Penn, but even that bums me out! I just want to be home playing with my baby stuff!!!

I'm trying to stay positive and enjoy these last few weeks of baby inside me!!

Feel good girls!!

Re: 37 (almost 38!) weeks with a question for BTDT Moms!

I can sympathize because I am now one day past my due date and my doctor said no dilation yet. The baby definitely dropped (around week 36) but nothing more than that. I worked up until yesterday so that i would have more time after with the baby but now if I go another 2 weeks I will lose that time. I am miserable!

Re: 37 (almost 38!) weeks with a question for BTDT Moms!

Misha - I am so understanding what you are saying! I hate the thought of baby coming so late! I'm thinking of you and hoping baby decides to come really soon!! Best of luck!!

Re: 37 (almost 38!) weeks with a question for BTDT Moms!

The baby was low for me at the end but I wasn't effaced or dialated at all (even at 5 days past due date) till I went into labor. When I kept hearing that there was no dialation or effacement at my weekly visits, I had visions of being the only person who's child wouldnt come out. But suddenly and rapidly, it all changed and he was born 7 hours later. Try not to worry yourself (easier said than done) the doctors just try to tell you things so you are not surprised if they need to help the baby along. I'm sure it will all work out wonderfully and soon enough you'll have your own BTDT story to share