When you’re in labor, your healthcare provider will use the diameter of the opening of your cervix as an indicator of how far along you are. The opening becomes wider as a result of repeated contractions and pressure from Baby’s head (or bottom if it is in a breech position).
Dilation during pregnancy
Early on in pregnancy, a mucus plug forms at the opening of your cervix to seal the opening and protect your baby from bacteria or infection. As your cervix starts to dilate, the mucus plug is released in one piece or as a thick discharge. This might happen at 37 weeks or it might happen right before your water breaks. If you lose your mucus plug before 37 weeks, it’s a good idea to contact your provider.
Dislodging of the mucus plug is caused by a combination of dilating and stretching or thinning of the cervix in preparation for labor. You may feel menstrual-like cramps along with this dilation, which become more intense during labor.
Dilation during labor
Dilation is important for giving Baby an easier way to get out. Dilating to completion (10 cm) could take anywhere from a few hours to a few days, and there’s no way to predict how long you’ll be in labor.
Inducing labor
If you are two weeks past your due date or have no contractions after your water breaks, your healthcare provider may recommend inducing labor. Other motivations for inducing labor include health risks posed to you or Baby, such as an infection in your uterus, deterioration of the placenta, or insufficient amniotic fluid surrounding Baby. Inducing dilation of your cervix could be done manually, by separating the amniotic sac from the cervix with a gloved finger or balloon-tipped catheter, or with medication.
Reviewed by Dr. Jamie Lo
Read more
Sources
- Mayo Clinic Staff. “Fetal development: The third trimester.” Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic, 7/11/2014. Web.
- “Cervical effacement and dilation.” Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic, n.d. Web.
