How to check dilation at home

Is it possible to check dilation independently at home?

Gynecological examination should be performed by people trained to do so. Specialists agree – it is impossible to check cervical dilation at home on your own. To determine them, it is necessary to have the experience of the examiner and a thorough examination, which is often, especially during labor, uncomfortable for the woman. Because of this, the patient is unable to properly assess dilation on her own.

When to go to the hospital?

If labor has begun, there is no need for an immediate trip to the hospital. Of course, there are exceptions, such as the drainage of green amniotic fluid or bleeding from the genital tract. On the other hand, when the mother-to-be feels comfortable, safe and worry-free, she can wait at home until the appearance of regular contractions occurring every approx. 10 minutes or more often. Much also depends on which birth it is. This is because it is recognized that subsequent births are faster than previous ones.

Symptoms of cervical dilation

Dilation of the cervix is included in the 1st period of labor. First it must shorten properly, and then it begins to dilate. A dilation of 10 centimeters, defined as full, is considered the beginning of II. period of labor, when parturition contractions begin.

Symptoms of cervical dilation include pain and cramping. Some women then experience nausea or vomiting. Diarrhea may also occur.  

Closed cervix and childbirth

Sometimes it happens that despite the passage of 40. Weeks of pregnancy the cervix is not properly prepared. In such a situation, medical intervention is necessary in the form of a so-called “medical intervention”. birth preinduction. It can be performed with a Foley catheter and prostaglandins. Some doctors also perform a cervical massage to start dilation.

There are also available so-called. Home remedies for cervical dilation. Among them are intercourse, nipple stimulation or eating spicy foods. However, if labor does not start on its own, it is advisable to visit the hospital and induce labor under the care of specialists.