Cervical length measures how long the cervix is, which is crucial for assessing readiness for delivery.
At 37 weeks, cervical length can indicate if a woman is nearing a natural labor or if induction may be necessary.
A typical cervical length at 37 weeks is around 2.5 to 3.5 cm, signaling that the cervix is not overly shortened yet.
A cervical length under 2.5 cm may indicate a higher likelihood of labor approaching soon.
If cervical length is over 3.5 cm, it might mean the cervix isn't ready for labor, and delivery could take more time.
Effacement, or thinning of the cervix, often begins around 37 weeks, preparing the body for labor.
A cervix shorter than 2.5 cm with dilation often means labor may start soon.
Cervical length is typically measured via ultrasound, providing accurate readings around 37 weeks.
Cervical length can vary from one woman to another and is not a strict predictor of delivery timing.
Always discuss cervical length measurements with your healthcare provider to understand what it means for your delivery timeline.