progress!
I am now 3 cm dilated and 80% effaced! That's progress from last week. This doctor says the baby is at -1 station (0 station is fully engaged), so I'm not quite fully engaged, but close. I feel a lot of downward pressure, so I was surprised to hear this.
The doctor also said this looks like a good-sized baby, maybe 8.5 pounds (which is what I was when I was born). I asked if, based on his size, they would induce labor if I were to go past my due date. He said there is little evidence that this is a good idea. Inducing has risks and it's best to let a woman labor when her body is ready, see what she can do, and take other measures (such as c-section) only if necessary. He didn't seem concerned about the size or my ability to deliver him. I guess they never know until they try.
Not to give anyone false hopes, but he said I am "ready to go" and could deliver tonight or this weekend. But let's not all hold our breath. I remember being told the same thing a few weeks ago.
Still, this was good news! :)