Dilation of the cervix (or neck of the uterus) in labor

Let’s start with the basics, because it’s during pregnancy that you come into more contact with your private parts and getting to know each other can make pregnancy and labor less scary and make us realize how amazing our bodies are.

Each of us has different hair, face, hands and genitals. In this article there will be illustrations that will help you understand how the Vagina, the uterine cervix, is made. Even if the best way to get to know each other is to use a mirror and observe our private parts.

Anatomy of the female genitalia

The vulva is the name given to the external part of the female genitalia: there is the clitoris which has various shapes and sizes and the clitoral hood which covers it, the labia minora (inner lips) and labia majora (outer lips) protect the clitoris . The outer lips are usually darker in color and covered with hair, while the inner lips are smoother and more delicate. Size, shape can vary greatly from woman to woman. Then the urethra and the vaginal opening are always part of the external vulva . The urethra is located immediately below the clitoris and the opening is visible, and this is where urine exits the body.

If the labia minora are stretched with the fingers, the opening of the vagina can be observed.

The vagina is a virtual space that connects to the uterus. When there is nothing in the vagina, the walls of the vagina touch. When a finger, vaginal tampon, menstrual cup, penis or baby is on the other hand, it creates an elastic tunnel and offers space.

Try using a mirror to observe the external and internal part of the vagina so as to make it familiar, on the other hand it is a very important part of us . This will make you more confident and will enable you to understand when something is wrong and then ask for advice.

The cervix, or neck of the uterus

The cervix, or neck of the uterus, is the lower part of the uterus. It is shaped like a narrow channel and is similar to a pink donut in shape and appearance. The cervix can be observed thanks to the speculum (the instrument used during cervical screening tests), or the woman herself can appreciate it, at different times of the menstrual cycle, if she inserts a finger into the vagina. Its texture is soft , similar to the tip of the nose. The period in which it is felt most is during the menstrual cycle and the orifice of the cervix is ​​slightly flared to allow the flow of menstrual flow. Ditto in the fertile period, when this slight opening allows the entry of the sperm.

The inner canal of the cervix is ​​lined with glands that produce secretions during your period (cervical mucus). It is precisely the consistency of this cycle that changes and transforms during the menstrual cycle, modifying the woman’s fertility, making the environment hostile or welcoming.

In the case of pill use, for example, the consistency of this mucus is thicker, thus making it difficult for the sperm to pass through. And it is precisely from the cervix, that by changing during labor and dilating at the time of delivery, your baby will pass.

The cervix or neck of the uterus in pregnancy and labor

During pregnancy, outside of labour, the neck of the uterus is 3-4 cm long and closed. Throughout pregnancy, a mucous plug forms which further closes the cervix, protecting the inside of the uterus and the baby from the vaginal canal, where bacteria may be present.

The cervix during labor

With the preparatory contractions and during labour, the cervix changes by changing its position from posterior to anterior, becomes soft, shortens and then begins its dilatation thanks also to the subsequent commitment of the baby, who with his little head impresses a gentle pressure on the cervix.

Full dilation occurs when the cervix disappears completely around your baby’s head and it is commonly said that you are “10cm dilated “. It’s like when you wear a woolen sweater with a high neck; imagine putting the sweater on from the head, initially the hole is small, but as you put the head on, the fabric gets thinner and the hole gets bigger, until it disappears beyond the head. This is what your cervix does!

How long does it take for the cervix to fully dilate?

This is a million dollar question. The speed of dilation depends on three things: the woman and how the contractions work on her body, her baby, and the environment she is in during labor.