Cervical dilation is the widening of the cervix, the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. It occurs naturally during childbirth to allow the baby to pass through. Cervical dilation can also be induced artificially to terminate a pregnancy or to perform certain medical procedures.
There are a few different ways to check for cervical dilation. One method is to insert a finger into the vagina and feel for the cervix. The cervix will feel like a firm, round mass. If the cervix is dilated, it will feel softer and there will be a small opening in the center. Another method is to use a cervical dilation gauge. This is a thin, plastic instrument that is inserted into the vagina and measures the diameter of the cervix.