Q:
What does "3 cm dilated" mean?
A:
Quick Answer
Three centimeters dilated means that the cervix is opened about three centimeters in preparation for birth. Being three centimeters dilated does not mean a woman is in labor, according to About.com; a woman can be up to five centimeters dilated without being in true labor.
Continue ReadingFull Answer
True labor happens when contractions are regular and continue to increase in intensity and frequency, according to WebMD. Dilation is not the only part of labor, as the cervix must also efface. Effacement is the thinning of the cervix and is measured as a percentage. For example, a woman's cervix must be 10 centimeters dilated and 100 percent effaced before she begins pushing. Effacement can also begin well before true labor starts.
Learn more about PregnancySources:
Related Questions
-
Q:
What information is on a pregnancy dilation chart?
A: Information on a pregnancy dilation chart typically includes the different dilation sizes of the cervix in centimeters and may also include a diagram of th... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
What condition is the abnormal implantation of the placenta in the lower part of the uterus?
A: According to TheFreeDictionary, placenta previa is a condition in which the placenta is abnormally placed and either partially or fully covers the cervix. ... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
What does the cervix feel like at 4 weeks pregnant?
A: BabyMed claims that changes to the cervix do not always occur until several weeks or months after a woman becomes pregnant. Accordingly, the cervix does no... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
What are the signs of impending labor?
A: There are numerous signs of impending labor, including the frequency and intensity of contractions, the ripening of the cervix and the rupturing of the amn... Full Answer >Filed Under:
