Health
Fact-checked

At TheHealthBoard, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What is a Dilated Cervix?

Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

In women there are specific times at which the cervix, which opens to the uterus, may open or dilate. Most of the time it sits in a closed position, but certain surgeries can open the cervix to gain access to the uterus, and even some gynecological procedures can do this. Either medically or naturally, at the end of a pregnancy, a dilated cervix occurs to allow passage of the fetus out of the uterus.

Though people may associate a dilated or open cervix as something that occurs at the end of a nine-month pregnancy, it certainly can occur at other times. Both dilation and curettage (D &C) and dilation and evacuation (D & E) widen the cervix to get access to the uterus. There are many circumstances under which either of these procedures might take place — to cause an abortion, to end a missed miscarriage or to complete a miscarriage. A D & C may also occur to treat conditions like heavy vaginal bleeding or to check for cancer. It’s important to recall that a dilated cervix also occurs during miscarriage, though sometimes this needs to be induced if it is missed.

A dilated cervix occurs at the end of pregnancy.
A dilated cervix occurs at the end of pregnancy.

Some gynecological office procedures also depend on dilating the cervix to a certain degree. Placement of some birth control devices requires it, as in the case of hormonal or non-hormonal intrauterine device (IUD) placements. Typically, this short dilation can be slightly to very uncomfortable, even though the cervix may only be opened a centimeter or two.

Dilation and evacuation widens the cervix to gain access to the uterus in order to treat heavy vaginal bleeding.
Dilation and evacuation widens the cervix to gain access to the uterus in order to treat heavy vaginal bleeding.

In a normal pregnancy, the cervix remains mostly closed until the point of labor and delivery. In the last few weeks, Braxton-Hicks contractions may result in slight cervix dilation, and some women may pass a mucus plug called the bloody show that indicates labor is imminent. During the active and transitional phases of labor, the cervix continues to dilate, and measurements may be taken to determine its specific width. Full dilation is ten centimeters (3.94 inches). When this is reached, women are usually instructed to begin pushing.

A diagram of the female reproductive system, including the cervix.
A diagram of the female reproductive system, including the cervix.

Since cervical thinning or effacement is part of achieving the fully dilated cervix, many pregnant women want to know how they get to this point sooner. There are many tips and tricks for achieving some dilation when due date is reached. One of the best known of these is having intercourse with a partner. Exposure to sperm is exposure to prostaglandins, which aid in softening or effacing the cervix. With an induced labor, doctors may use a prostaglandins insert to achieve a softened or dilated cervix.

Labor generally begins with contractions that cause a woman's cervix — the path between the uterus and vagina — to dilate.
Labor generally begins with contractions that cause a woman's cervix — the path between the uterus and vagina — to dilate.

Achieving a dilated cervix faster is not always desirable. Some women quickly dilate in what is called precipitous labor. This may not be initially noticed or very painful, so that when labor signs do present, things are suddenly extremely painful and delivery moves at too fast a pace. Ultimately, gradual dilation, though uncomfortable, is usually safer for both mom and baby.

Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

Tricia has a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and has been a frequent TheHealthBoard contributor for many years. She is especially passionate about reading and writing, although her other interests include medicine, art, film, history, politics, ethics, and religion. Tricia lives in Northern California and is currently working on her first novel.

Learn more...
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

Tricia has a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and has been a frequent TheHealthBoard contributor for many years. She is especially passionate about reading and writing, although her other interests include medicine, art, film, history, politics, ethics, and religion. Tricia lives in Northern California and is currently working on her first novel.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

anon293246

My sister's fetus died (in the twelfth week). Now she is being hospitalized and is being induced to dilate the cervix. The process of dilation is now already in third day. But the doctor said the dilation is not big enough, and they continue to wait. She is constantly in pain. How can I help her?

ElizaBennett

@rugbygirl - You can certainly do it, or your partner can--it's not particularly difficult, although you might not be sure what you're feeling. You probably want to start practicing well ahead of time so that you can feel changes. A closed cervix feels a bit like a nose--kind of pointed and firm. Women who practice fertility awareness check their cervixes daily.

If you type "how to check my cervix for dilation" into a search engine, you'll find a lot of good suggestions. Basically, though, you'll use a position that you would use for inserting a tampon. Make sure your hands are scrupulously clean (maybe dry them on a paper towel) and/or wear a rubber glove. And DO NOT check yourself if your water has broken, because once that happens you're much more vulnerable to infection.

Good luck with your new baby!

rugbygirl

Can I check my own cervix for dilation? I think with my first baby, I left for the hospital too soon (got there at 3 centimeters--far enough along that they didn't send me home, but I was there for too long and I think it slowed things down). I'd like to know where I am before I leave.

I'm also not a fan of cervical checks at the doctor's office. I'd like to know if I'm dilating in those last few weeks without letting the doctor poke around.

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • A dilated cervix occurs at the end of pregnancy.
      By: paulmz
      A dilated cervix occurs at the end of pregnancy.
    • Dilation and evacuation widens the cervix to gain access to the uterus in order to treat heavy vaginal bleeding.
      By: kasiap
      Dilation and evacuation widens the cervix to gain access to the uterus in order to treat heavy vaginal bleeding.
    • A diagram of the female reproductive system, including the cervix.
      By: isyste
      A diagram of the female reproductive system, including the cervix.
    • Labor generally begins with contractions that cause a woman's cervix — the path between the uterus and vagina — to dilate.
      By: Monkey Business
      Labor generally begins with contractions that cause a woman's cervix — the path between the uterus and vagina — to dilate.