Cervical dilation is the widening of the cervix, the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. It occurs naturally during pregnancy and childbirth. The cervix dilates to allow the baby to pass through during delivery.
Checking cervical dilation is an important part of prenatal care. It can help to assess the progress of labor and determine when it is time to deliver the baby. Cervical dilation is typically checked by a healthcare provider during a vaginal exam. The healthcare provider will insert two fingers into the vagina and feel for the cervix. They will then measure the diameter of the cervix in centimeters.