Question bout and preg.?

so i am almost 38 weeks, and last week i went to the doc and she said i was 3cm but my cwervix was still thick, this week i went and the doc said i was a lil over 3 cm 50% effaced and my cervix was soft like er. my question is, does help to soften the cervix or make u dialate? what exactly does it do? my husband and i have about2wice a day, if i can manage, lol. this is my second child and my water broke with him at about 38 weeks. i hope i gointo labor soon!! :) but the good news is, my doc said at my next apt that if i dnt go into labor they will induce me i my husband and i want that...and ooo yea i do!! :) thank you guys