When does the cervix open?

Many non-professionals have different opinions about when the cervix opens. Some people think that sperm will enter the uterus during intercourse when the cervix opens. So when does a woman's cervix open during a month? Also, if the cervix is ​​not open, will sperm be unable to enter? Some people also believe that the cervix will only open when the baby is about to be born. Well, according to science, pregnancy has nothing to do with the cervix, so let’s find out when the cervix opens.

1. When does the cervix open?

The process of cervical dilation is relatively slow. Usually, the cervix gradually flattens in the second week after the 9th month of pregnancy, which is also the process of cervical formation. Your cervix will dilate to 10 centimeters when your baby is born. It will be slow at first, and it takes an average of 8 hours from labor to 3 centimeters of dilation, and an average of 4 hours from 3 centimeters of dilation to 10 centimeters. Generally speaking, medication for pain will not be used until the cervix is ​​dilated to 3 cm. This indicates that the mother has entered the active phase of labor. The cervix has dilated to 3 cm, the cervix has become soft, thin, and elastic, and the interval between each contraction is 2-3 cm. After delivery, the cervix will gradually dilate with regular uterine contractions. The first stage of labor is divided into two phases according to the degree of cervical dilation: the latent phase and the active phase. The latent phase is from regular uterine contractions to 3 cm cervical dilation, and the active phase refers to the period from 3-10 cm cervical dilation. It should be noted here that the speed at which the cervix dilates is different between primiparas and multiparas. For primiparas, the cervix shortens and flattens first, and then the cervix dilates; while for multiparas, the cervix shortens, flattens, and dilates at the same time. Therefore, the progress of multiparas is obviously faster than that of primiparas, which is also the main reason why the first stage of labor progresses differently between primiparas and multiparas. During the latent period, the cervix opens slowly, but during the active period, it opens much faster. The incubation period for primiparas is about 8 hours, and that for multiparas is faster than that for primiparas, but there are large differences between individuals, and the length of the incubation period varies from person to person, ranging from tens of minutes to several hours. The active period of a primipara lasts about 4 hours. After a multipara enters the active period, she should prepare for delivery, because the cervix of a multipara will usually fully dilate soon after entering the active period.

2. How to check cervical dilatation

1. After the fetus enters the pelvis, the birth canal is prepared and the mother's vagina will naturally relax and open.

2. The doctor can observe the degree of dilation of the cervix.

3. The doctor can also use digital examination to explore the condition of the cervix. Usually an anal or vaginal examination is done. The doctor, wearing sterile gloves, inserts a finger into the vagina, places the finger on the opening of the uterus, and uses the finger to measure the opening of the uterus. Anal examination is only done when delivery is imminent, because the vagina is not far from the cervical opening, with a relatively thin peritoneum in the middle. Anal examination is used to detect the opening of the cervical opening through this place. Regardless of whether the cervix is ​​dilated or not before delivery, repeated vaginal exploration will cause iatrogenic infection, so digital rectal examination is used to make the diagnosis.

3. How to promote cervical dilation after spotting

The muscles extending from the cervix into the uterus are called the soft birth canal. The situation in which the muscles harden and the cervix is ​​difficult to open is called "soft and tough birth canal". Due to the effects of hormones and labor pains, the cervix becomes soft, but if the soft birth canal cannot open, you can use medication or perform a cesarean section.

1. Delivery is carried out according to specific circumstances: Due to the influence of hormones, the cervix gradually softens, and the pressure of the fetal head causes the mother's cervix to expand. However, the mother's physical condition and mood will affect the opening and closing of the cervix. The most important thing is that mothers should understand that intense labor pains and the opening and closing of the uterus are complementary to each other.

2. The cervix opens but the contractions are weak: If the contractions become stronger but the cervix does not open, the fetus will not be born. Only when both aspects are carried out simultaneously can the birth of the fetus be promoted. Muscle tension can cause muscles to become stiff. The simplest example is when you clench your fist, your palm becomes hard, and when you unclench your fist, your palm becomes soft. By the same token, if you keep your mood good and your body relaxed, the cervix will open more easily. In fact, tension is not good for normal childbirth. Mothers should face childbirth with a relaxed attitude. Generally speaking, the delivery situations of sisters are very similar. If the mother has sisters, she can consult them about their delivery experience.