Cervical Dilation and Labor Progress Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering cervical effacement, stages of cervical dilation from 0 cm to 10 cm, and corresponding physical expectations during labor.

Effacement

The process in which the cervix becomes thinner (shorter) during labor.

Dilation

The process where the cervix opens from $0\,cm$ to $10\,cm$ to allow the baby to pass through the birth canal.

$0\,cm$ Cervical Dilation

The stage where the cervix is closed, long, and firm, indicating that labor may not have started yet.

$1\,cm$ Cervical Dilation

The early labor stage where cervical opening begins ($\sim 1\,cm$) and contractions may begin as mild and irregular.

$2\,cm$ Cervical Dilation

An early dilation stage where the cervix is about $2\,cm$ open, characterized by mild or irregular contractions, possible backache, and slow progression.

$3\,cm$ Cervical Dilation

An early labor stage where the cervix opens to $3\,cm$ and mild to moderate contractions become more noticeable, often feeling like strong menstrual cramps.

$4\,cm$ Cervical Dilation

The stage in cervical labor progress that marks the onset of active labor.

$10\,cm$ Cervical Dilation

The stage where the cervix is fully dilated, allowing the baby to pass through the birth canal.