Reproductive System & Sexual Disorders: Current Research
Open Access

Cervical Dilation

Cervical dilation (or cervical dilatation) is the opening of the cervix, the entrance to the uterus, during childbirth, miscarriage, induced abortion, or gynecological surgery. Cervical dilation may occur naturally, or may be induced by surgical or medical means. At full dilation the diameter of the cervical opening is 10 cm.

At the end of pregnancy, when the baby drops down into the pelvis, the baby’s head puts pressure on the cervix. This constant pressure causes your body to release oxytocin, which is the hormone that causes contractions. The contractions push the baby even farther down onto the cervix, which causes it to dilate, which causes more contractions and so on. It’s the combination of hormones and pressure from the baby’s head that cause cervix dilation.

Related Journals of Cervical Dilation

Journal of Womens Health Care, Journal of Pregnancy and Child Health, BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, Journal of Pregnancy, Journal of Women's Health.