The cervix is ​​one finger dilated, does it mean that the baby is about to be born?

From pregnancy to childbirth is something that every woman will experience first. The childbirth process can be simple or difficult, but the only thing in common is that there will be regular uterine contractions before childbirth and then the baby will be born through the birth canal when the cervix is ​​dilated to ten centimeters. So, if the cervix is ​​dilated to one finger, does it mean that the baby is about to be born? The following is a detailed introduction to the childbirth process and characteristics. After all, it is the first time to experience these things.

We divide the whole process of childbirth into three periods, or three stages of delivery. The first stage of labor (first period): It starts with regular contractions of the uterus and ends when the cervix is ​​fully dilated. When the uterus contracts, the mother feels the uterus hardening, pain in the lower abdomen or waist, and a feeling of falling. At the beginning of labor, the contractions occur every 10 minutes or so and last for a very short time. Gradually, the contractions become more frequent, occurring about every 2 to 3 minutes and each lasting about 1 minute. The strength of the contractions also increases, and the cervix gradually opens wider until it expands to 10 centimeters. This is called full dilation, and the first stage of labor is over. When the cervix is ​​fully dilated or nearly dilated, the fetal membrane ruptures naturally, commonly known as plasma rupture, and clear amniotic fluid flows out. Second stage of labor (second period): The fetus gradually descends with strong and frequent uterine contractions. When the fetal presenting part descends to the bottom of the pelvis and compresses the rectum, the mother will involuntarily push downward with the contractions. After about 1 to 2 hours, the fetus is delivered along the birth canal and from the fully dilated uterine opening, thus ending the second stage of labor. The third stage of labor (third period): After the fetus is born, the size of the uterus shrinks, and the placenta and the fetal membranes surrounding the fetus (commonly known as afterbirth) separate from the uterus and are expelled from the body as the uterus contracts. At this time, the entire labor process is over. Generally speaking, the first stage of labor lasts about 10 to 12 hours, the second stage lasts 1 to 2 hours, and the third stage lasts 5 to 30 minutes. The total labor process is about 16 hours for primiparas and about 10 to 12 hours for multiparas. It should be noted that true labor should be counted from the beginning of regular uterine contractions, not the moment uterine contractions begin.

The cervix is ​​usually closed during pregnancy to protect the normal growth of the fetus in the uterine cavity. During childbirth or induced abortion, the cervix slowly opens due to uterine contractions, allowing the fetus to be delivered. Generally, one-finger dilation means that the width of the cervix can only accommodate one middle finger, which is about 1 cm.

It is difficult to estimate how long it will take to give birth if the cervix is ​​only one finger dilated. This depends on the progress of labor. However, if it is already one centimeter dilated, there is no need to wait for a few days. It should be possible in about 24 hours. Generally it is fully dilated, with the front three centimeters dilating slower and the back dilating faster. Some people with thick cervix will need to dilate more slowly. Generally speaking, you can give birth if the cervix is ​​ten centimeters dilated, but it also depends on the size of the baby.

During the intervals between contractions in the first stage of labor, mothers are encouraged to eat small and frequent meals, eat easily digestible and high-calorie foods, and maintain water and electrolyte balance. In addition, when the fetal membranes are not ruptured and the contractions are not strong, they can move around appropriately indoors to help the progress of labor.

It is recommended to maintain physical strength, walk more at this time, promote cervical dilation, and pay close attention to the fetal heart rate.

After reading the above introductions, do you have a general understanding of the process and characteristics of childbirth? A one-finger dilation of the cervix does not mean that delivery is imminent. The cervix must be dilated to ten centimeters for the baby to be born smoothly. However, the speed of cervical dilation varies from person to person. Some people will dilate faster while others will have a harder time. Therefore, some friends whose cervix dilates slowly will not wait until it is fully dilated and plan to have a cesarean section. Well, do you understand what I have said? I wish you a happy pregnancy!