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Answer: During the first stage of labor, the cervix will start to thin out (also called efface) and open up (also called dilate). The first stage of labor can take a couple of hours or a couple of weeks (I was in my first stage of labor with my daughter for 2 weeks). Most women usually stay at home during this stage as it is not the "active" stage of labor. The active stage of labor is stage 2. During this stage your cervix will continue to efface and dilate at a much more rapid pace. This ends with the birth of your baby. Then comes stage 3, also know as the after-birth stage. This is when you push out the placenta, which is what protected the baby for 9 months and held the fluids.
Wiki User
∙ 15y ago
Wiki User
∙ 9y agoA rather simplistic answer is that the cervix expands (dilates) to allow the baby to pass through. There are several other actions happening during childbirth.
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What is when cervix and vagina expand to 10 cm?
When the cervix is dilated to 10cm it is time to push the baby out during labor.
What stage of labor is the longest?
the first stage (opening of the cervix)
What happens when the cervix are in the way whilst in labor?
Generally, if the cervix is too tight, the baby will not be able to come out so Cesarean section is required
What contracts during labor?
During a contraction, the infant experiences intense pressure that pushes it against the cervix, eventually forcing the cervix to stretch open. At the same time, the contractions cause the cervix to thin.
What is the portion of the female reproductive system that dilates or stretches during labor?
Cervix
Why is the cervix made up of muscles?
Because it needs to dialate (expand) during labor.
The thinning and shortening of the cervix during labor is known as?
It is known as effacement. Usually occurs before dilation in first time mom's and after dilation is subsequent pregnancies. Labor doesn't usually occur until after 100% effacement and 10 cm dilation. If labor does occur and the cervix is not 100% effaced and dilated, then a C-section is a probability.
Cervix in pregnancy?
the cervix is the upper part of the vagina/lower part of the uterus. during the latent phase of labor, the cervix begins dilating. (opening). then the contractions of the uterus intensify and push the fetus past the cervix and out through the vagina
What is the medical term meaning rhythmic contractions that expand the opening of the cervix during childbirth?
Labor - APEXLabor
What unit of measurement would you use to measure the opening of the cervix during labor?
The "centimeter" is the most commonly used.
What is the latent phase of labor?
During the latent phase, progress is usually very slow. It may take quite a while and many contractions before the cervix dilates the first few centimeters. Contractions increase in strength as labor progresses.
What does it mean to be dilating during pregnancy?
When you are dilating during labor, this means your cervix is opening more and softening to allow the baby to pass through the birth canal. Your cervix will be ready to pass the baby through once you are dilated 10cm.
