Cervical dilation is the process by which the cervix opens in preparation for childbirth, and monitoring it is a key part of assessing labour progress. Merrion Fetal Health, a specialist ultrasound clinic in Dublin, offers a full range of pregnancy scans — from early pregnancy scans at 6–11 weeks through to post-dates assessments from 40 weeks onwards — to support mothers at every stage. The clinic's sonographers, including staff member Helen highlighted in patient reviews, are noted for their thorough, reassuring approach during detailed anatomical and growth assessments. Patients consistently report on-time appointments, clear explanations of measurements, and high-quality keepsake images from scans such as the 20-week anatomy survey.
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What is a dilation?
What Is Dilation FAQs
What is dilation?
In normal conditions and during most part of your pregnancy, your cervix, the opening of your uterus, remains closed and tight. That is a good thing because its job is to keep your baby inside of you. At the end of gestation and during labour, the cervix begins to develop some changes to allow the baby to come out. One of these changes (and the most important one) is dilation. Dilation happens when your cervix begins to open up.
How much dilation does the cervix needs?
For your baby to be born, your cervix will need to have 10 cms. of dilation. This is approximately the diameter of a softball or a small bagel, or in obstetric terminology, approximately the size of your baby´s head.
Does dilation have phases?
You can say it has, but really it is the labour stage that has them. Dilation happens during the first stage of labour, which has 3 phases:
1. The early labour phase, which begins with the first real contractions and ends when the cervix reaches the 3 cms. of dilation,
2. The active labour phase, in which the contractions get more intense, continues the dilation from 3 to 7 cms.
3. The transition phase, which goes from 7 to 10 cms. of dilation. Obviously, this can vary from woman to woman.
In how much time does dilation reach 10 centimetres?
It depends on each woman. Medically speaking, in primiparous women, there is a rule that indicates that for every cms. dilated, 1 hour has to pass, reaching easily the 10 to 12 hours of labour. In multiparous women, this time is reduced to half.
What happens if I cannot dilate?
This can happen to many women due to a vast number of reasons: wrong pelvic shape, baby´s position, stress, induction happening prematurely, etc. Your physician will try expecting management, giving your cervix chance to dilate, or will apply active management (if appropriate), using synthetic substances to help your cervix. If none of these results, you will need to have a cC-section.
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DISCLAIMER
All articles on the blog and website are intended as information only. Please do not consider any of the information provided here as a substitute for medical advice. At all times seek medical advice directly with your own doctor and medical team.
ANNOUNCEMENT
This website was formerly Merrion Fetal Health. The clinic has undergone a rebrand and is now known as Merrion Ultrasound.
What is dilation in pregnancy?
Dilation in pregnancy refers to the opening of the cervix in preparation for childbirth. It is measured as part of assessing how far along a woman is in the labour process.
What scans are available during early pregnancy?
Early pregnancy scans are available from 6 to 11 weeks of pregnancy. These scans are designed to check on the developing baby during the first trimester.
What is a Nuchal Translucency scan and when is it performed?
A Nuchal Translucency scan is performed between 12 and 14 weeks of pregnancy. It is used to assess the risk of chromosomal conditions in the developing baby.
When can an Anatomy Survey scan be carried out?
An Anatomy Survey scan is carried out between 18 and 22 weeks of pregnancy. This detailed scan examines the baby's anatomy and takes measurements across multiple structures.
From how many weeks can a Gender Scan be performed?
A Gender Scan can be performed from 19 weeks of pregnancy onwards. It allows parents to find out the sex of their baby using ultrasound.
What is a Post Dates and Liquor scan and when is it offered?
A Post Dates and Liquor scan is offered from 40 weeks of pregnancy onwards. It is used to monitor the baby's wellbeing and assess amniotic fluid levels when a pregnancy has reached or passed its due date.
What does a Growth and Wellbeing scan assess?
A Growth and Wellbeing scan is available from 22 weeks of pregnancy onwards. It monitors the baby's growth and overall condition in the second and third trimesters.