CERVICAL DILATATION Meaning and
Definition
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Cervical dilatation, also known as cervical dilation, is a medical term that refers to the opening or widening of the cervix during childbirth or certain medical procedures. The cervix is the lower part of the uterus, located at the top of the vaginal canal, and it serves as the passageway connecting the uterus and the vagina.
During childbirth, the cervix is required to gradually soften, thin out (efface), and dilate in order to allow the baby to descend through the birth canal. Cervical dilation is a critical process that occurs during the first stage of labor. It is measured in centimeters (cm) or as a percentage representing the opening and thinning of the cervix.
Cervical dilatation can also be performed medically as part of certain reproductive and gynecological procedures. For instance, it may be required prior to an intrauterine device (IUD) insertion, endometrial biopsy, or certain types of surgeries. In these cases, cervical dilatation is often achieved using medical tools and techniques, such as laminaria tents, cervical dilators, or medications that help soften and open the cervix.
Monitoring cervical dilatation is crucial for both obstetricians and midwives during labor, as it provides important information about the progress and pace of childbirth. It is often checked regularly by trained professionals and is typically measured in centimeters. Cervical dilatation is a key factor in determining the stage of labor and when it is appropriate for the mother to begin pushing.
Common Misspellings for CERVICAL DILATATION
- xervical dilatation
- vervical dilatation
- fervical dilatation
- dervical dilatation
- cwrvical dilatation
- csrvical dilatation
- cdrvical dilatation
- crrvical dilatation
- c4rvical dilatation
- c3rvical dilatation
- ceevical dilatation
- cedvical dilatation
- cefvical dilatation
- cetvical dilatation
- ce5vical dilatation
- ce4vical dilatation
- cercical dilatation
- cerbical dilatation
- cergical dilatation
- cerfical dilatation
Etymology of CERVICAL DILATATION
The word "cervical" in "cervical dilatation" comes from the Latin word "cervix", which means "neck" or "cervix uteri" specifically referring to the neck of the womb or uterus.
The word "dilatation" is derived from the Latin word "dilatare", which means "to spread open" or "to widen".
Therefore, "cervical dilatation" refers to the widening or opening of the cervix, commonly used in the context of childbirth or medical procedures like cervical exams.
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