Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsMeasurementSymptomsPhasesComplicationsFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Measurement
Symptoms
Phases
Complications
Frequently Asked Questions
During labor, contractions cause the cervix to change from being closed to fully dilated or open to 10 centimeters. Once that happens, it’s time to begin pushing.
Read on to learn more about dilation during pregnancy, including how dilation is measured, symptoms, phases, and more.
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How Dilation Is Measured
Dilation is measured in centimeters. For most of thepregnancy, the cervix is closed. However, as labor approaches, the cervix opens as it begins to prepare for childbirth. Some people become 1-2 centimeters dilated before they start active labor, while others start active labor without being dilated at all.
Checking dilation
When you are in labor, your healthcare provider will check your dilation through a cervical exam. During this exam, they will insert their gloved finger into your vagina to check how wide the cervix has dilated.
Most people do not find these exams painful, although they can be uncomfortable. Unless there are complications, your healthcare provider will likely check you when you are admitted and before you begin pushing. Checking dilation too frequently can introduce bacteria to the vagina.
Effacement vs. Dilation
It’s normal for contractions to start and stop before true labor sets in. Unfortunately, that can make actual labor hard to spot. Once your contractions last for 30 to 70 seconds and are five to 10 minutes apart, it’s time to call your healthcare provider.
Phases of Dilation
Healthcare providers divide labor into three stages:
It can be helpful to break the first stage down since this is the longest part of labor. The two phases of stage one are:
Verwell / Alison Czinkota
While dilation is a natural process, it doesn’t always go seamlessly. Some people experience complications with dilation. If your cervix cannot fully dilate, your healthcare provider may suggest acesarean delivery(C-section).
Induced Dilation
If you need to be induced, your healthcare provider will likely use various means to encourage dilation and the start of labor. These may include:
When Dilation Happens Too Early
The treatments for preterm labor include:
Your healthcare provider may also recommend bed rest or reduced activity to help prevent further dilation.
What Is Cervical Insufficiency?Cervical insufficiency is a condition that causes the cervix to efface and dilate too early. It’s the cause of about 1% of preterm births.
What Is Cervical Insufficiency?
Cervical insufficiency is a condition that causes the cervix to efface and dilate too early. It’s the cause of about 1% of preterm births.
Summary
Dilation is when the cervix opens during labor as your body is getting ready for childbirth. Contractions of the uterus cause the cervix to dilate. When the cervix measures 10 centimeters, you can begin pushing. If your cervix does not fully dilate, your healthcare provider may try different methods to induce dilation or recommend a C-section. Other times, the cervix may dilate too early, which may lead to preterm labor. Your healthcare provider will try different treatments to prevent further dilation if labor starts before 37 weeks.
A Word From Verywell
Anticipating labor can be both exciting and scary. Knowing what to expect can help you feel more in control, but remember: there’s no way to know what will happen when it’s time to give birth. Surrounding yourself with trusted healthcare providers and loved ones can help you feel confident when the time comes.
Frequently Asked QuestionsSome healthcare providers will check dilation as you approach your due date, but this isn’t an indication of how far or close labor is. Most people will have a cervical check when they get to the hospital and before they start pushing.Dilation can take hours or days. It is highly individualized. As long as your body is making steady progress your healthcare provider will likely allow your body to dilate until you reach 10 centimeters.
Some healthcare providers will check dilation as you approach your due date, but this isn’t an indication of how far or close labor is. Most people will have a cervical check when they get to the hospital and before they start pushing.
Dilation can take hours or days. It is highly individualized. As long as your body is making steady progress your healthcare provider will likely allow your body to dilate until you reach 10 centimeters.
7 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Labor.American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.How to tell when labor begins.MyHealth Alberta.Cervical effacement and dilation.March of Dimes.Contractions and signs of labor.Nemours KidsHealth.Inducing labor.Nemours KidsHealth.Treatments to prevent premature birth.Yale Medicine.Cervical insufficiency.
7 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Labor.American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.How to tell when labor begins.MyHealth Alberta.Cervical effacement and dilation.March of Dimes.Contractions and signs of labor.Nemours KidsHealth.Inducing labor.Nemours KidsHealth.Treatments to prevent premature birth.Yale Medicine.Cervical insufficiency.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Labor.American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.How to tell when labor begins.MyHealth Alberta.Cervical effacement and dilation.March of Dimes.Contractions and signs of labor.Nemours KidsHealth.Inducing labor.Nemours KidsHealth.Treatments to prevent premature birth.Yale Medicine.Cervical insufficiency.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Labor.
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.How to tell when labor begins.
MyHealth Alberta.Cervical effacement and dilation.
March of Dimes.Contractions and signs of labor.
Nemours KidsHealth.Inducing labor.
Nemours KidsHealth.Treatments to prevent premature birth.
Yale Medicine.Cervical insufficiency.
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