Dilation Of The Cervix – What You Need To Know | Dubai Birth Photographer

Dilation.

This word becomes the center of every pregnant woman's world towards the end of her pregnancy term, which is fair, because dilation determines delivery and you WANT to dilate if you are planning for a natural, vaginal delivery. 

Despite the fact that we, as women, are all physically built the same way, we are all different, because each one of our bodies reacts in a different kind of way to the ebb and flow of the magical hormones circulating in our bodies. So what is "normal" or "standard" for one woman, is not necessarily true for another. And hence why I get really upset when care providers hold women in labor to strict "standards"  (for example, dilation of 1cm/hour) It is completely unrealistic to expect women to navigate through the intricate web of labor; a ride full of emotions, psychology, temperament, past experiences and comfort, and STILL expect a dilation rate of 1cm/hour. It just doesn't make sense!

For me, a big part of comfort is achieved through education and raising awareness. If we as women understand what it takes to achieve "X" in labor (whatever that X represents is personal to you I think) then it will make things a lot less stressful and clear. Which is why I LOVED this article I'm about to share with you. 

It walks you through:

• What dilation of the cervix is all about? 
• The Story behind "Centimetres"
• Does dilation mean a woman is in labor?
• How necessary are vaginal exams
• How fast will a cervix dilate
• What affects cervix dilation

Click on the image below to access the article, or simply click on this highlighted part right here.