How your cervix dilates during labor

Sally Urang, MS, RN, CNM
1:34 min

Your cervix will gradually expand during the different stages of labor, from 0 to 10 centimeters. But how big is that? Find out about the dilation process so you can better prepare for contractions.

Advertisement | page continues below
Advertisement | page continues below
Track your pregnancy, prep for what's next, and get expert support – all for free
phone with BabyCenter app

Where to go next

mom in labor at the hospital
The stages of labor and delivery
Reviewed by Shannon Smith, M.D., FACOG, ob-gyn
Dr. Sasha Hakman holds up a butternut squash to demonstrate perineal massages, headline reads "How to do a perineal massage"
go to video page
How to do a perineal massage
Reviewed by Sasha Hakman, M.D., M.S., ob-gyn
cartoon image of woman leaning on exercise ball
go to video page
Timing contractions
Reviewed by Sally Urang, MS, RN, CNM, midwife
Dr. Sasha Hakman holds up two different types of peri bottles. The headline reads "How to use a peri bottle"
go to video page
How to use a peri bottle
Reviewed by Sasha Hakman, M.D., M.S., ob-gyn
Layan Alrahmani and the text "How to tell Braxton Hicks from real labor"
go to video page
What are Braxton Hicks contractions?
Reviewed by Layan Alrahmani, M.D., ob-gyn, MFM
mom and newborn after vaginal birth
What happens during a vaginal birth
Reviewed by Layan Alrahmani, M.D., ob-gyn, MFM
tabletop with flowers, oils, and a bowl
go to video page
How to use aromatherapy for labor
woman fixing her hair in a workout shirt
go to video page
How to wear your hair during labor
picture of a lotus to represent lotus birth
What is a lotus birth, and is it safe?
Reviewed by Layan Alrahmani, M.D., ob-gyn, MFM
title card for chapter 4: medical procedures during labor and delivery
go to video page
Having a c-section (ep. 26)
Reviewed by Shari Brasner, M.D., ob-gyn and professor
title card for chapter 7: birth stories
go to video page
Kelly's birth story: Speedy birth in the family car (ep. 51)
title card for chapter 7: birth stories
go to video page
Shino's birth story: A big baby and a painful tear (ep. 50)
My pregnancy week by week
2
weeks pregnant
Fertilization illustration
3
weeks pregnant
Implantation illustration
4
weeks pregnant
poppy seed illustration
5
weeks pregnant
sesame seed illustration
6
weeks pregnant
lentil illustration
7
weeks pregnant
blueberry illustration
8
weeks pregnant
raspberry illustration
9
weeks pregnant
grape illustration
10
weeks pregnant
strawberry illustration
11
weeks pregnant
fig illustration
12
weeks pregnant
lime illustration
13
weeks pregnant
plum illustration
14
weeks pregnant
lemon illustration
15
weeks pregnant
apple illustration
16
weeks pregnant
avocado illustration
17
weeks pregnant
turnip illustration
18
weeks pregnant
bell pepper illustration
19
weeks pregnant
pomegranate illustration
20
weeks pregnant
banana illustration
21
weeks pregnant
mango illustration
22
weeks pregnant
sweet potato illustration
23
weeks pregnant
grapefruit illustration
24
weeks pregnant
ear of corn illustration
25
weeks pregnant
acorn squash illustration
26
weeks pregnant
spaghetti squash illustration
27
weeks pregnant
head of cauliflower illustration
28
weeks pregnant
large eggplant illustration
29
weeks pregnant
butternut squash illustration
30
weeks pregnant
large cabbage illustration
31
weeks pregnant
coconut illustration
32
weeks pregnant
papaya illustration
33
weeks pregnant
pineapple illustration
34
weeks pregnant
cantaloupe illustration
35
weeks pregnant
honeydew melon illustration
36
weeks pregnant
head of romaine lettuce illustration
37
weeks pregnant
bunch of swiss chard illustration
38
weeks pregnant
mini watermelon illustration
39
weeks pregnant
pumpkin illustration
40
weeks pregnant
watermelon illustration
41
weeks pregnant
Baby icon illustration
Advertisement
Advertisement