This article was co-authored by Jennifer Butt, MD. Jennifer Butt, MD, is a board certified Obstetrician and Gynecologist operating her private practice, Upper East Side OB/GYN, in New York City, New York. She is affiliated with Lenox Hill Hospital. She earned a BA in Biological Studies from Rutgers University and an MD from Rutgers – Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. She then completed her residency in obstetrics and gynecology at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital. Dr. Butt is board certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology. She is a Fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and a member of the American Medical Association.
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Cervical dilation occurs during active labor, making room for the baby to travel through the birth canal. The cervix dilates naturally when the body is ready to give birth, but when it's necessary to move things along more quickly, dilation may be stimulated using medications or mechanical techniques.[1] Cervical dilation is best left in the hands of your doctor or midwife, who can ensure that the dilation is done safely and efficiently, no matter what the reason might be. Read on to learn more about how the cervix is dilated.
Steps
Speeding Up Early Labor Without Medical Intervention
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1Have sex with your partner. Sex starts a prostaglandin release in the body that may result in cervical stimulation and dilation. Before having sex at this point in your pregnancy, consult with your physician. In most cases, sex at this stage of pregnancy is safe as long as your water has not broken. Although studies to support the connection between sex and cervical dilation are not entirely conclusive, many doctors continue to recommend this method to patients who are becoming impatient with their pregnant status.[2]
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2Stimulate your nipples. Nipple stimulation releases a hormone called oxytocin, which causes labor to begin. Rub your nipples or have your partner do so for you.[3]Advertisement
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3Watch for signs of cervical dilation if you are near the end of your pregnancy. This indicates that you are in labor, and it's time to talk with your doctor or midwife.[4] As the baby's head begins to press down on the opening of the uterus, the cervix will start to thin out and open. Your doctor can do a simple examination to determine whether dilation and effacement of the cervix have begun, indicating you may be in the very early stages of childbirth.
Undergoing Chemical or Mechanical Dilation
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1Understand when the cervix would need to be dilated. Since the dilation of the cervix happens when labor moves from "early" to "active," intervening in the process instead of letting it occur naturally is essentially the same as inducing labor.[5] There are some reasons why a doctor or midwife might determine this to be the best course of action:[6]
- If you're two weeks past your due date with no signs of early labor.
- If your water has broken, but no contractions have occurred.
- If you have an infection in the later stages of pregnancy.
- If there's a problem with your placenta.
- If you have a medical condition that might pose a risk if you wait too long to have the baby.
- If you're undergoing a dilation and curettage procedure.
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2Know the risks of inducing labor. Inducing labor should not be done as a matter of convenience since it can pose risks to both the mother and the baby. Inducing labor should not be done lightly - be sure you understand exactly what your body will experience before you agree to take medication. Inducing labor increases the risk of these complications:[7]
- Having a C-section.
- Premature birth.
- Lowering the baby's heart rate and oxygen intake.
- Contracting infection.
- Uterine rupture.
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3Talk to your doctor about medication used to dilate the cervix. The most common medication used for this purpose is synthetic prostaglandin. Dinoprostone and misoprostol are two synthetic prostaglandins that may be used. Both of these medications are administered vaginally or orally.[8]
- These medications have side effects that may impact the health of the baby. Be sure to talk with your doctor about the risks involved before taking medication.
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4Find out if a mechanical dilator will be used. Sometimes doctors use implements that will dilate the cervix mechanically, rather than chemically.[9] Either a balloon-tipped catheter or a type of seaweed called laminaria is inserted into the cervical opening.
- Once the balloon-tipped catheter is inserted, saline is injected into the balloon, causing it to expand and dilate the cervix.
- Laminaria is a type of seaweed native to Japan that forms a thick, sticky gel when wet. The dried stems of the seaweed are formed into "tents" that will swell up gradually. A layer of this substance is placed just inside the cervix, around the neck of the uterus to promote cervical dilation. Although laminaria has been used both before dilation and curettage and to stimulate labor, the safety of its use during pregnancy has not been proven at this time.
Warnings
- Do not ingest herbs or supplements intended to dilate the cervix unless they have been approved for use by your doctor or midwife.⧼thumbs_response⧽
References
- ↑ Jennifer Butt, MD. Board Certified Obstetrician & Gynecologist. Expert Interview. 13 March 2020.
- ↑ https://www.aafp.org/afp/2003/0515/p2123.html
- ↑ https://www.aafp.org/afp/2003/0515/p2123.html
- ↑ Jennifer Butt, MD. Board Certified Obstetrician & Gynecologist. Expert Interview. 13 March 2020.
- ↑ Jennifer Butt, MD. Board Certified Obstetrician & Gynecologist. Expert Interview. 13 March 2020.
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/labor-induction/about/pac-20385141
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/labor-induction/about/pac-20385141
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6205862/
- ↑ https://www.webmd.com/baby/qa/how-is-mechanical-dilation-done-to-induce-labor
About This Article
If you want to dilate your cervix and speed up your labor, talk to your doctor about using medications like dinoprostone and misoprostol, which can be taken either vaginally or orally. You should also ask about non-chemical ways to dilate your cervix. For instance, a balloon-tipped catheter can be inserted and expanded to widen your cervix. One way you can speed up dilation at home without a doctor is by stimulating your nipples to release oxytocin into your body. If your partner is available, try having sex, as this releases a hormone throughout the body that might cause cervical dilation. For more help, like how to know when it’s necessary to dilate the cervix, read on.
Medical Disclaimer
The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always contact your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any kind of health treatment.
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