To know if you are dilating, which means your cervix is opening in preparation for labor, common signs include feeling contractions like severe menstrual cramps or backache, passing the mucus plug (a thick or stringy discharge), bloody show (a discharge tinged with blood), and sometimes your water breaking (amniotic fluid flowing). You may also feel new pelvic discomfort as the baby's head moves lower in your belly. However, it is not recommended to check dilation yourself at home by inserting fingers, as this can introduce harmful bacteria. The most accurate way to know if you are dilating is through a pelvic exam by a healthcare provider, who measures the cervix opening in centimeters.
Signs that suggest cervical dilation may be happening include:
- Contractions that get closer together, last longer, and become more regular
- Loss of the mucus plug or bloody show
- Lower abdominal cramping or pressure in the vagina and pelvic area
- Feeling the baby's head lowering into the pelvis (lightening)
- Backache and menstrual-like cramps
If any of these signs are present, especially contractions and bloody show, it is important to contact a healthcare provider for an exam to confirm dilation and assess labor progress.
In summary, dilation is most reliably assessed by a healthcare professional, while signs like contractions, mucus plug loss, vaginal pressure, and bloody discharge can indicate that dilation might be occurring.
