The cervix dilates (opens) during the first stage of labor to prepare for the baby's birth. Cervical dilation is measured from 1 to 10 centimeters. You are ready to push and deliver when the cervix ...

Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Pregnant woman holding apple in one hand and touching belly with other hand Tetra Images/Getty Images In preparation for the birth ...

Your cervix doesn’t open in a single, smooth motion. It softens, shortens, and dilates under the rhythm of contractions. At 9 cm, most of that work is done, but a thin lip of tissue still remains, ...

Being 1 centimeter dilated means that your body is preparing for childbirth. However, it’s not a reliable indicator of when your labor will actually begin. Your doctor may start checking how you’re ...