Cervical dilation is the widening of the cervix, the lower, narrow end of the uterus. It occurs naturally during pregnancy to allow for the passage of the baby during childbirth. Checking for cervical dilation is an important part of prenatal care, as it can help to determine the stage of labor and whether or not an induction or cesarean section is necessary.
There are two main ways to check for cervical dilation: a digital exam and an ultrasound. A digital exam is performed by a healthcare provider who inserts a gloved finger into the vagina and feels the cervix. An ultrasound uses sound waves to create an image of the cervix and surrounding structures.