The cervix can open or dilate during certain times, including pregnancy and gynecological procedures. Dilation can occur naturally or be induced, but it is important to proceed with caution as rapid dilation can be dangerous.
In women, there are specific times when the cervix, which opens to the uterus, can open or dilate. It is most often in a closed position, but some surgeries can open the cervix to access the uterus, and some gynecological procedures can do this as well. Both medically and naturally, at the end of a pregnancy, a dilated cervix occurs to allow the fetus to pass out of the uterus.
While people may associate a dilated or open cervix with something occurring at the end of a nine-month pregnancy, it can certainly occur at other times. Both dilation and curettage (D&C) and dilation and evacuation (D&E) widen the cervix to gain access to the uterus. There are many circumstances in which one of these procedures could take place: causing a miscarriage, ending a missed miscarriage, or completing a miscarriage. AD & C may also occur to treat conditions such as heavy vaginal bleeding or to check for cancer. It is important to remember that a dilated cervix also occurs during a miscarriage, although sometimes this must be induced if it is missed.
Some gyno office procedures also depend on the dilation of the cervix to some extent. The placement of some contraceptive devices requires it, such as with hormonal or non-hormonal intrauterine device (IUD) placements. Typically, this brief dilation can be slightly to very uncomfortable, even though the cervix may only be opened an inch or two.
In a normal pregnancy, the cervix remains mostly closed until the time of labor and delivery. In the last few weeks, Braxton-Hicks contractions can cause the cervix to dilate slightly, and some women may pass a mucus plug called a bloody show that indicates labor is imminent. During the active and transitional stages of labor, the cervix continues to dilate and measurements may be taken to determine its specific width. Full dilatation is ten centimeters (3.94 inches). When this is achieved, women are usually asked to start pushing.
Since thinning or effacing the cervix is part of achieving a fully dilated cervix, many pregnant women want to know how to get to this point sooner. There are many tips and tricks to get some stretch when the expiration date is reached. One of the best known of these is having intercourse with a partner. Semen exposure is exposure to prostaglandins, which help soften or clear the cervix. With induced labor, doctors may use a prostaglandin insert to get a softened or dilated cervix.
Getting to a dilated cervix faster isn’t always desirable. Some women dilate rapidly in what is called precipitous labor. This may not be noticed initially or very painful, so that when the signs of labor show up, things are suddenly extremely painful and the delivery moves at too fast a pace. Ultimately, gradual dilation, while uncomfortable, is usually safer for both mother and baby.
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