The Amazing Steps your Cervix takes in Labour
Many pregnant people hear stories of long labours. Especially in first time parents. Heading to the hospital to get checked, to be told they are “only” 1cm dilated. This blog will explain the many factors involved in early labour and how cervical dilation is only one part of the process.
Firstly, remember that other labour experiences are not your experience. No two labours will ever be the same. Create a protective bubble of positivity around you. Don’t read scary birth stories. Don’t listen to your cousins horror stories. They are not you. Seek out the positive stories, of happy, beautiful births. They are out there and they are real.
When a pregnant person consents to a vaginal exam their care provider will check the following:
Cervical dilation (if your cervix has begun to open)
Cervical Effacement (How thick or thin your cervix is)
Cervical consistency (if your cervix is hard or has begun to soften)
Cervical position (if it remains posterior or has begun to move forward)
Fetal station (where in your pelvis your baby is)
See our previous blog on The Bishop Score here
Before labour begins the cervix is:
Posterior (Facing back towards the spine)
Thick (about 4cms)
Hard (feeling like your chin)
Closed (0cms / no dilation)
First your cervix will move: When labour begins, the first job your cervix must do is to move into an anterior position (face forward) This can sometimes cause period like cramping or lower back ache. Sometimes this step happens without the pregnant person noticing at all.
Then your cervix will soften: The next job for the cervix is to change consistency and become soft. This is in preparation to begin to thin out.
Then your cervix shortens/thins out: The average pregnant cervix is 3.5 cm to 4 cm long. In early labour your cervix softens, shortens and thins (this is called effacement)
Finally dilation happens: Then The final job for the cervix is to begin to open (called dilation) This begins at 0cm and when a cervix is fully dilated it can be stretched to 10cms. This is often the main focus for people in labour “How many centimetres am I?” Very few understand all the amazing work that your cervix has already done!
Many first time parents experience “stop start” labour. When they have a few hours (often at night) of mild contractions. Only for them to then stop again. This is most likely your cervix beginning these changes, then taking a break to allow your body rest. It can also be your baby moving lower into your pelvis ready for birth.
So remember all these powerful steps your body is taking. Rest when you can. Nourish your body with food and self care. Your body knows exactly what to do. Try not to be disappointed if you think labour is beginning only for it to stop. It is part of the process for some labours. Rest and be thankful in those breaks. Knowing you will meet your baby very soon.