How to Dilate the Cervix

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Cervical dilation is done for a number of reasons. A woman who is pregnant may undergo dilation and effacement of the cervix as a labor inducement. Women who require a procedure known as a dilation and curettage could also undergo a cervical dilation. There are a number of ways that doctors know how to dilate the cervix today, ensuring women can have this procedure done safely and effectively, no matter what the reason might be. From medication to natural methods like acupuncture, this process can be approached in a number of different ways.

Steps

1. Watch for signs of cervical dilation if you are near the end of your pregnancy. 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 has begun, indicating you may be in the very early stages of childbirth.
2. Try a natural method of cervical dilation during the later stages of pregnancy; sex with your partner. Sex starts a prostaglandin release in the body that may result in cervical stimulation and dilation. Before indulging in sex at this point in your pregnancy, consult with your physician. In most cases, sex at this stage of pregnancy is absolutely 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.
3. Consider an appointment with the acupuncturist. A small study conducted at the University of North Carolina found that women who received acupuncture treatments in the later stages of pregnancy were more likely to go into labor without medical intervention. It is thought that certain trigger points on the body could promote labor, which would result in cervical dilation as well.
4. Talk to your doctor about medication. Many doctors know how to dilate the cervix by administering medication to their patients, either to stimulate labor or prepare the body for a dilation and curettage procedure. The most common medication used for this purpose is misoprostol, which is a synthetic prostaglandin. Another prostaglandin frequently used for dilation and effacement of the cervix is dinoprostone. Both of these medications are administered vaginally, although misoprostol is often the preferred option for physicians.
5. Find out if a laminaria will be used. 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 prior to dilation and curettage and to stimulate labor, the safety of its use during pregnancy has not been proven at this time.

Sources and Citations

• http://www.everydayhealth.com/health-center/cervical-effacement-and-dilatation-info.aspx
• http://women.webmd.com/guide/d-and-c-dilation-and-curettage
• http://www.drugs.com/npp/laminaria.html
• http://www.womenshealthcaretopics.com/natural_labor_inducers.htm
• http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/535774_3
• http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-542-LAMINARIA.aspx?activeIngredientId=542&activeIngredientName=LAMINARIA
• http://www.webmd.com/baby/inducing-labor-naturally-can-it-be-done

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