As you approach labor and delivery, the term “dilation” plays a crucial role in indicating how close you are to welcoming your baby. For instance, once you reach 4 centimeters of dilation, you might be offered an epidural, and at 10 centimeters, you’re fully prepared to give birth.
What Exactly is Dilation?
Dilation refers to the opening of the cervix, measured in centimeters. During the first stage of labor, your cervix gradually opens and thins (effaces) to facilitate the baby’s passage into the birth canal. In the second stage of labor, when your cervix is fully dilated, the baby descends through the birth canal, and you’re encouraged to push.
What Triggers Dilation and Effacement?
As your baby descends into your pelvis, the pressure exerted on your cervix encourages it to efface and dilate in anticipation of labor. The contractions that accompany labor help to achieve full dilation of the cervix, allowing the baby to enter the birth canal for delivery. Dilation may occur spontaneously or can be induced if necessary.
When Does Dilation Begin?
The onset of dilation varies among women. As you near your due date, your cervix may start dilating without you even realizing it. For some, this process can take weeks or even a month, while others may experience dilation and effacement overnight.
Stages of Dilation
To help visualize the progression of dilation during labor, here’s a breakdown:
- Early Phase: The cervix dilates from 1 to 3 cm with mild contractions.
- 1 cm dilated = Cheerio
- 2 cm dilated = Grape
- 3 cm dilated = Banana Slice
- Active Phase: The cervix expands from 6 to 10 cm, with contractions becoming more intense and regular.
- 4 cm dilated = Cracker
- 5 cm dilated = Lemon Slice
- 6 cm dilated = Cookie
- 7 cm dilated = Orange Slice
- 8 cm dilated = Halved Apple
- 9 cm dilated = Donut
- 10 cm dilated = Melon
Signs of Dilation
Besides a physical examination by your healthcare provider, you may notice certain signs indicating that dilation has begun:
- Loss of Mucus Plug: Throughout pregnancy, the cervix is sealed by a thick mucus plug to prevent bacteria from entering the uterus. During dilation, this plug can loosen and may exit as a thick discharge, signaling that your cervix is starting to dilate. However, not every woman will notice this.
- Bloody Show: This often accompanies the loss of the mucus plug and may continue throughout labor, resulting in mucus that is tinged pink, red, or brown. Fresh, bright red blood usually indicates serious issues such as placental abruption or placenta previa, which require immediate medical attention.
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