Hellobee Boards

There is no way to tell when labor will happen. I was 1cm not effaced and 0 station on a Wed and went into labor at 2am on Sat. I was 38w6d.

We learned about this in our childbirth class but I don't really remember all the details.

Found this online:

During the last month, your doctor will estimate how far the baby's head has moved down into (engaged) the pelvis. This is measured in "stations." A baby is at –3 station when the head is above the pelvis and at 0 station when the head is at the bottom of the pelvis (fully engaged). The baby is at +3 station when the head is beginning to emerge from the birth canal (crowning)

I think the head has to be at a 0 station to get you to dilate fully.

Well the good things about having a low stationed baby are: A, you are way more likely to have no trouble delivering vaginally and it will be very helpful in your having a successful induction, and B, I know in some cases the lower babies can mean your water will break sooner. that effacement is good news too because even if you make it to your induction i have heard with your first baby it's being effaced that is the most important in terms of a smooth delivery and making good progress. Best of luck to you. So excited to see baby Harper.

I was never told exactly what station she was at but at my 34 week appointment, my doctor checked and told me the baby was incredibly low and that I might not make it to my due date. I was also softening really well and was "very soft" around 37 weeks on. I didn't go into labor until 40 weeks, 4 days though.