What is dilation in pregnancy?

Question

I am 30 weeks pregnant and i always hear other mothers talk about dilation and contraction, i would want to know what it means so that i would know when i am experiencing it.

Thks helen

Answer 1

Dilation is the amount the cervix has opened in preparation for childbirth. It is measured in centimeters, or less accurately, in fingers. Being fully dilated means you're at 10 centimeters and ready to push..

All the best for you and the birth of your baby :)

Answer 2

Dilation is when the cervix opens/stretches during labor.  10cm is fully dilated.  Also the cervix thins out, this is called effacement.  This is how the baby's head gets through to the birth canal.

When the doctor or nurse does a dilation check, they are seeing how thick and opened your cervix is.  They use this information to judge how well your labor is going, and maybe if you need a cesaerian, etc. It can be kind of uncomfortable when they check you to see how your cervix is.

Answer 3

Dilation is the process of, muscles and tissue at the opening to the birth canal, stretching to help accommodate the baby, during labor.

Answer 4

I think you could really benefit from taking a childbirth education class or buying some good pregnancy and labor books. Dilation and contractions are two essential principles of labor, and if you were completely unfamiliar with them then you are going to be completely unprepared for the process of birth.

Get educated about your body and empower yourself in this process.

Good luck.

Answer 5

dilation is another way of saying how far open your cervix is when you are in labour. Your cervix needs to 'dilate' or 'open' to 10cm to allow the baby to pass through during birth. The contractions help the baby get pushed down onto the cervix and the constant pressure from the babies head pushing on it, make it open up and allow him/her to be born.

you should really go to some ante-natal / birth classes as this sort of thing is pretty important to know for when the time comes. Your hospital should be able to arrange this for you. If you can't go to birth preparation classes then buy some books on the subject and read up so you know what to expect. Miriam Stoppard writes some fantastic books for mothers to be

Good luck!