Checking cervical dilation is a crucial step in determining the progress of labor. Dilation refers to the widening of the cervix, which allows the baby to pass through the birth canal during childbirth. Regularly monitoring dilation helps healthcare providers assess the labor’s progression and make informed decisions regarding interventions or further care.
Assessing cervical dilation involves a physical examination performed by a healthcare professional. During the exam, the provider gently inserts two fingers into the vagina to palpate the cervix and evaluate its dilation. The cervix is typically described as being dilated in centimeters, ranging from 1 cm (slightly dilated) to 10 cm (fully dilated).