So my doctor says they won't even check for dilation until I'm past 40 weeks. is that normal?

My doctor started checking me at 36 weeks.

I thought they checked you when you're like 36 weeks or somewhere around there

My doctor did the same thing. At 38 weeks I could request to be checked, but he didn't make it necessary until 40 weeks. Guess it just depends on your ob.

I don't think that's normal I started getting checked at 36

I'm 36 weeks going on 37 and already said I was 2cm dilated. I would request it if I were you. That way you can prepare if you needed to.

no not at all they should be checking

It depends on the Doctor, every doctor is different, my sister never got checked until she went into labor and even then it was only twice, once when she first checked in and once when she felt she needed to push. It was to avoid infections. Plus it's not necessary to get checked too often.

Some Dr's only check if you're having issues. The more times they check, the heavier the risk for infection from them shoving their fingers in your cervix. I wouldn't worry about it unless you're having pain or problems.