The most painful stage of natural childbirth: knowledge about "dilation of the cervix".

The dilation of the cervix is ​​a critical stage in the process of natural childbirth and is also one of the most painful stages for many pregnant women. During this stage, the cervix gradually dilates, and before the cervix is ​​fully opened, the pregnant woman experiences continuous contractions and labor pains. The process of dilation of the cervix is ​​usually divided into different stages, each with specific characteristics and duration. It is very important to understand the process of dilation of the cervix, how to deal with pain, and the care and support of pregnant women during this stage. This article will explore this most painful stage of natural childbirth in detail to help pregnant women and families better understand the knowledge of "dilation of the cervix" and prepare for the arrival of a new life.

1. The process of dilation

The process of cervical dilation is often divided into different stages so that medical staff can better monitor the progress of labor and provide appropriate care and support for pregnant women. Generally speaking, the process of cervical dilation can be divided into three main stages: early cervical dilation, progressive cervical dilation, and late cervical dilation.

Initial cervical dilation: During this phase, the cervix begins to dilate and the cervix gradually becomes thinner and shorter. The initial cervical dilation lasts from the beginning until the 4 cm opening. During this phase, uterine contractions begin to gradually increase and produce regular contractions, helping the cervix to gradually dilate.

Progressive cervical opening stage: Once the cervix opens to 4 cm, the pregnant woman enters the progressive cervical opening stage. During this stage, the cervix expands significantly faster, and the pregnant woman feels more frequent and stronger contractions and labor pains. At this time, the pregnant woman will enter a more tense stage and need more support and care.

Late cervical dilation: When the cervix dilates to 10 cm, the late cervical dilation begins. At this time, the cervix is ​​fully open, ready to welcome the fetus through the birth canal. Pregnant women will experience stronger and more frequent uterine contractions, which is also the stage when pregnant women need to exert all their strength to push the fetus out.

2. Causes of pain

During the process of opening the cervix, pregnant women will experience more intense uterine contractions and labor pains. This pain is mainly caused by the following factors:

Uterine muscle contraction: Uterine contraction is a natural reaction of the uterine muscles. Its purpose is to help the cervix gradually expand and create conditions for the smooth birth of the baby. As the uterine muscles contract, pregnant women will feel continuous tightness and unbearable labor pains.

Cervical dilation: The gradual dilation of the cervix can also cause discomfort and pain to pregnant women, especially during the progressive and late cervical opening stages, when the cervix dilates faster and the pain is more obvious.

Pressure and tension: As the cervix gradually dilates and the pregnant woman needs to push hard for the fetus to be born, the pressure and tension in the pregnant woman's body will also increase, causing more pain.

3. How to relieve pain

Breathing exercises: Deep and relaxed breathing can help pregnant women reduce pain and keep their emotions stable. Pregnant women can focus on taking deep breaths and exhaling slowly during contractions to help relieve stress and pain.

Hydrotherapy and hot compresses: Warm water can help relax your body and relieve pain. Many hospitals and delivery rooms offer hydrotherapy facilities, and pregnant women can choose to soak in a bathtub to relieve pain. In addition, hot compresses are also an effective way to relieve pain. You can place a hot pack on your waist or abdomen to reduce discomfort.

Back massage: During the process of cervical opening, the back is often under great pressure. Pregnant women can ask their partners or medical staff to perform back massage to help relieve pain and pressure.

Birthing ball and delivery bed position: Using a birthing ball or adjusting different positions on the delivery bed can help pregnant women relieve pain and promote the descent of the fetus, helping to speed up the delivery process.

4. How to check how many fingers dilated the cervix is?

Once the fetus enters the pelvis, the birth canal prepares for delivery and the pregnant woman's vagina naturally relaxes and expands.

Your doctor can assess the degree of openness of the uterus by observation.

The doctor can also check the cervix through digital examination. Usually, the doctor will perform an anal or vaginal examination, put on sterile gloves, insert a finger into the vagina, touch the cervix, and use the finger to measure the degree of dilation of the cervix to determine whether labor can begin. In order to avoid medical-induced infection, regardless of whether the cervix is ​​open, avoid repeated vaginal examinations, so a rectal digital examination may be used to make a judgment.

5. Care and support for pregnant women during the dilation phase

During the dilation phase, pregnant women need professional care and adequate support to ensure a good delivery experience and a smooth delivery process. Medical staff should closely monitor the dilation of the cervix, the frequency of uterine contractions, and the fetal heart rate of pregnant women, and adjust nursing measures in a timely manner. At the same time, the family and partner of the pregnant woman should also provide emotional support and encouragement to help the pregnant woman through this painful phase.

In short, the cervical dilation stage is a crucial stage in the process of normal delivery. I hope every expectant mother can welcome the arrival of a new life safely and smoothly! (Liu Xiaomin, Lingshou County People's Hospital, Shijiazhuang City, Hebei Province)