Just a quick question. if your cervix is 1 cm in length and is firm and closed, what does that mean?
1 cm in length could mean that you are effacing (your cervix is thinning out). I’ve never really heard it put that way though. You need to efface first, then you will dilate. Think of your cervix as if it were a turtleneck sweater going over the baby’s head, this is the process from beginning (before labor) to the pushing stage. This effacement will cause the feeling of pressure because your baby is being pushed downward by your uterus which will cause some cramping. The best thing to do is go about your life and only stop when contractions make you stop and pay attention to them. Good luck!! Added info: You can get evening primrose capsules and pierce one or two, squeeze the oil out onto your fingers and put it “up the hatch”, every day. This will help soften things. You can also take a capsule or two by mouth every day. It is very good for all women, especially in pregnancy!