Doctor said I wasn't dilated at all but I was starting to thin out.
I'm taking he meant I'm starting to efface (?!?).

What does this mean?

I know it means that my cervix is thinning out. But does it mean I could still have a long time until labor?
What can I do to help it along?
Doesn't sperm help it thin out? I think I read that somewhere.

I hope LO comes sooooon! I'm ready!

Sexy time definately helps thin it out!

Sex can help o induce labor. Walking also helps. Your cervix thins before it dilates. If this is your first baby then you might have to be induced. But your cervix will eventually dilate. When your baby and your body is ready, it will occur.

Good luck! I hope your LO comes soon!!

ewww.. no inducing!! inducing = evil!
I heard inducing hurts worse. I really dont want to be induced.

I just hope he follows along with the rest of my side of the family. My whole pregnancy has followed (I guess you could say..) 'trends' from my side of the family. Everything down to the pattern of my morning sickness! Most babies in my family are early... even the first ones.
My mom = my grandma's first === born during 37th week.
Me = my mom's first === born during 38th week.


I told OH there's going to be lots of 'getting it on'!! hehe.

It is just the beginning of your body preping for labor. And there is no reason you will need to be induced just because it is your first. What is the obsession the US has for rushing birth?

Anyway. Here is some info:

Effacement is the process by which the cervix prepares for delivery. After the baby has engaged in the pelvis, it gradually drops closer to the cervix; the cervix gradually softens, shortens and becomes thinner. You may hear phrases like "ripens," or "cervical thinning" which refer to effacement. If you are a first time mom, your cervix will usually efface before it dilates.

I think walking is one of the best things you can do to get things going.

Yep, sex can help because sperm contains cervix-thinning chemicals - but as your doctor said your body's already got started on that part!

You still have 4 weeks before your due date so no need to panic about induction yet! If you want to encourage things along, sex and nipple stimulation (assuming yours aren't sore or overly leaky) are a fun way to try... (nipple stimulation releases hormones that encourage the uterus to contract, as do orgasms)

I think I will start walking. Maybe in the morning and evening. Just up and down the driveway! It's a long driveway! I PROMISE! I tried to get my OH to walk with me but he wont.. and it's COLD outside!! I would walk my dog, but I just cut his hair short... and hes only five pounds.. I dont want him getting too cold.
I'm already getting my OH to have some "sexy time" every night from now on! I'm sure I will get on his nerves cause half the time he says "I'm tired".. blah blah blah!

LOTS of !

Wow March, I can't believe you're so close now! its crazy!
Don't worry about induction hon, many first time mommies go into labor just fine. Hopefully things will move quickly for you and you get to hold your little one soon

I hope so! He is killing my back! I never thought I would get so big that I didn't want to move! I feel like I cannot get up from a sitting/laying position anymore, and it takes me hours to fall asleep because its impossible to get comfortable!