How to check your cervix for pregnancy

What is dilation?

Dilation is the gradual opening of the cervix (the narrow, lower part of your uterus) to let your baby pass through.

Cervix during pregnancy

Cervix during pregnancy

Cervix images

How deep is the cervix

Open vs closed cervix pictures

Normal cervix length in cm

Dilation happens when you go into labor, and often begins even before labor starts.

During pregnancy, your cervix is fully closed to protect your developing baby. When your baby is ready to begin the journey through the birth canal, your cervix dilates from fully closed to 10 centimeters.

This process can take hours, days, or even weeks. But once you hit active labor – about 6 cm dilated –  it's usually just a matter of hours before you reach full dilation.

What is effacement?

Effacement is when the cervix shortens, becoming softer and thinner in preparation for your baby's birth.

Cervix length during pregnancy chart

During pregnancy, your cervix is about 3.5 to 4 centimeters long. As your body gets ready for labor and once labor begins, your cervix gradually thins out until it's like a sheet of paper.

Providers describe effacement as a percentage, from 0 to 100 percent.

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