What is Dilation in Pregnancy And it's Causes?

If you're in the process of preparing for the birth of your baby, "dilation" becomes a crucial term since it indicates the degree of closeness you have to the moment you can deliver your child. For instance, if you're around 4 centimeters dilation you could get an epidural. If you're 10 centimeters dilated , you're prepared to give birth to your child.

What Is Dilation

The Cervix opens (dilates) in which the size of the opening will be measured in millimeters. In the initial stage of labor, your cervical cervix expands and then thins (effaces) to allow the baby to go to the birth canal. In the second phase of labor, the cervical cervix has dilated completely, your baby is descending into the birth canal, and you will be urged to push and then deliver your baby.

What Are It's Causes

As your baby begins to sink into your pelvis, this causes the pressure onto your pelvis and causes it to expand to prepare for labor. The moment labor starts contractions that are caused by the baby's descent will cause your cervix fully dilate, which allows your baby to get into through the birth canal to then be born. Cervical dilation could occur in a natural way or it can be caused. 

As your baby begins to sink into your pelvis, this causes the pressure onto your pelvis and causes it to expand to prepare for labor. The moment labor starts contractions that are caused by the baby's descent will cause your cervix fully dilate, which allows your baby to get into through the birth canal to then be born. Cervical dilation could occur in a natural way or it can be caused.

When Does Dilation Begin

The timing of your period is different for each woman. As you approach the date of your scheduled due date, the cervix could begin to dilate without even realizing it. The process is gradual that for some may last for weeks, or for a few months. Some dilate and then expel the follicles overnight. 

The timing of your period is different for each woman. As you approach the date of your scheduled due date, the cervix could begin to dilate without even realizing it. The process is gradual that for some may last for weeks, or for a few months. Some dilate and then expel the follicles overnight.

What Are Different Phases of Dilation

What's happening during labor and the best way to envision the opening of your cervix.

Starting Phase:

Your Cervix dilates between 1-3 cm and is accompanied by slight contractions.

• 1cm dilated = Cheerio
• 2cm dilated = 2 cm dilated 
• 3 cm dilated = Banana Slice

Later Phase:

Cervix size increases from 6 to 10 centimeters and your contractions become frequent and more intense.

• 4cm dilated = Cracker
• 5cm dilated = Lemon Slice
• 6cm dilated = Cookie
• 7cm dilated = Orange Slice
• 8cm dilation = Halved Apple
• 9cm dilated = Donut
• 10cm dilated = Melon