70% effaced but not dilated at 30w 5d

Hi there! I am 30w 5d, and I went into triage last night with contractions 2 minutes apart. I received a Terb shot to stop the contractions. They said I am not dilated, but the nurse told me that I am 70% effaced. I had gone in for my OB appointment two days earlier, and while the doctor didn't tell me the particular percentage she thought I was effaced, she said that she thought I was "thinning a little." It seems to me that there is a big difference between "thinning a little" and 70% effaced in two days.

Anyway, does anyone have stories about being in a similar situation and how long it was before you went into labor? I am supposed to travel 4 hours away when I am 32 weeks to take the bar exam, and I am thinking that I am not going to make it. The last thing I want to do is cause things to get worse by traveling, because these guys need to "cook" a little longer, but if I'm not really in danger of going into labor soon, it is important that I take the test so I can start work and support my family! Thoughts?

 

:hug: Momma! I am so glad that you went in and got it checked out. I would definitely cancel your test in 2 weeks! In the meantime, put yourself on strict bedrest (only get up to go to the bathroom), and make sure you are drinking plenty of water. Things can change so incredibly fast, and 30 weeks is still too early to have these babies! Best of luck to you!!

 

:hug: I'm sorry you have to worry about this. I agree with Kyrstyn, reschedule the test and rest! ALOT. It's not worth risking travelling for the test if you can put yourself and your babies at risk. Plus you will far away from your doctors and hospital. GOod luck. :hug:

 

I agree with the PP's, I wouldn't go on any traveling excursions quite yet. You can efface, and dilate for weeks - I have been three centimeters and 80% for about two weeks and now this week I am 4 centimeters and 80% effaced - however, you don't want to risk it going more quickly due to the preterm labor contractions and travel.
Good luck.

Molly
37 weeks 4 days

 

I agree, reschedule the exam. The bar is two days, what if you went into labor during the first day-- then you'd have to take the entire test again (this is how medical board exams are). Is the bar offered again in the fall?

 

It's offered again in February. It's a little different from the medical boards; if I completed the first day, I would get credit for it and not have to take it again. But of course, the last thing I want to happen is to go into labor at that point at all. I just wasn't sure how likely labor is given that I am effaced but not dilated. I guess there's no real way to know.

 

Oooooh, sweetie. You are in an unenviable position but geez, I don't know about trying to take the bar under those conditions. Having sat a couple of bar exams myself I could not imagine trying to do it when I'm threatening labor and 32 weeks pregnant. Not only do you have to deal with the travel, but your nerves will be completely shot, you will be extremely stressed and you will have to sit in that chair for hours on end for both days of the exam (assuming yours is only two days -- I think some are 3). I just do not think its worth the risk to your health and the health of the babies. And God forbid the worst should happen and you start having pains or complications during the exam. And like a pp mentioned, you will be very far away from your doctors. I know you don't want to reschedule for February but it sounds like that may be the best thing you can do. Plus most firms and employers will still let you begin working if you're sitting the next test. Either way, I think your health is more important.

 

Thanks for the advice, everyone. My husband and I decided it is best to put off the exam. I really appreciate all the support!