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Dilation is a measure of how open the cervical os is. It is usually the most important indicator of progression through the first stage of labour. Dilation is measured by way of a digital cervical exam with the care providers fingers. Dilation is described using centimetres; closed, 1cm, 2cm, 3cm, etc until fully dilated at 10 cm. Fetal station ...
Hegar dilators are used to induce cervical dilation in order to gain entry to the interior of the uterus. During the process of dilation, the cervix may have to be stabilized with a tenaculum , and then the dilators are slowly entered into the cervical canal with a lubricant, starting with a thin, low Hegar number rod and progressing gradually ...
Partograph. A partogram or partograph is a composite graphical record of key data (maternal and fetal) during labour entered against time on a single sheet of paper. Relevant measurements might include statistics such as cervical dilation, fetal heart rate, duration of labour and vital signs.
Cervical dilation may be induced mechanically by placing devices inside the cervix that will expand while in place. A balloon catheter may be used. Other products include osmotic dilators , such as laminaria stick (made of dried seaweed) or synthetic hygroscopic materials, which expand when placed in a moist environment.
Along with other factors, midwives and doctors use the extent of cervical dilation to assist decision making during childbirth. [34] [35] Generally, the active first stage of labour, when the uterine contractions become strong and regular, [34] begins when the cervical dilation is more than 3–5 cm (1.2–2.0 in).
The latent phase is defined by cervical dilation of 0 to 6 cm. The active phase is defined by cervical dilation of 6 cm to 10 cm. Second stage of labor starts when the cervix is dilated to 10 cm and finishes with the birth of the baby. This stage is characterized by strong contractions and active pushing by the mother.
Cervical effacement or cervical ripening refers to the thinning and shortening of the cervix. This process occurs during labor to prepare the cervix for dilation to allow the fetus to pass through the vagina. While this is a normal, physiological process that occurs at the later end of pregnancy, it can also be induced through medications and ...
Pelvimetry is the measurement of the female pelvis. [1] It can theoretically identify cephalo-pelvic disproportion, which is when the capacity of the pelvis is inadequate to allow the fetus to negotiate the birth canal. However, clinical evidence indicate that all pregnant women should be allowed a trial of labor regardless of pelvimetry ...