Cervical dilation is the widening of the cervix, the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. It occurs naturally during pregnancy as the body prepares for childbirth. Checking cervical dilation is an important part of prenatal care, as it can help to assess the progress of labor and determine when it is time to deliver the baby.
There are two main ways to check cervical dilation: a vaginal exam and an ultrasound. A vaginal exam is performed by a healthcare provider who inserts two fingers into the vagina to feel the cervix. An ultrasound uses sound waves to create an image of the cervix and measure its dilation.