What Happens During The Enlargement Process?
In the enlargement process, the cervix plays a major role. Contractions allow it to open, allowing the baby to be born.
In case of premature contractions, the cervix may shorten or open significantly.
In this case, it is advisable to go to the hospital to stop the contractions, and check the condition of the mother and baby.
In contrast, the cervix will remain closed during pregnancy to keep the fetus warm and safe, during its development.
Other pre-birth symptoms that will occur before the enlargement process include: secretion of the mucus plug, onset of contractions, discharge of water and the path of the fetus towards the pelvis.
When you are fully expanded, the baby can be pushed out.
How does the enlargement process occur?
The extension can occur in 2 ways:
- Natural: occurs spontaneously, without the necessary use of medical intervention.
- Through drugs: when deemed necessary for maternal and fetal health.
Phases of the enlargement process
The duration from the onset of contractions to the moment the fetus is born is known as the “enlargement process”.
It is the longest stage of birth, and it usually lasts between 8 and 12 hours, for a mother’s first child. For the second child, it lasts between 5 and 7 hours.
On average, the cervix expands 1 centimeter per hour, but the rate of enlargement is not regular. The first centimeters usually take the longest time. However, this is only on an average basis, as every mother is different, just like every birth.
These are the phases of the enlargement process:
The latent phase
The contractions occur every 5-30. minute, and lasts between 30 and 45 seconds on average.
If the contractions are low intensity, you may feel pain in the back and groin. However, the contractions are still effective: through this phase, the cervix can expand up to 3 cm.
The active work phase
The next contractions occur every 5 minutes and last between 30 and 40 seconds. The extension will reach 5 centimeters.
The contractions will begin to occur every 2 and 3 minutes, and can last up to 50 seconds. The cervix will expand to 6 centimeters.
The rapid acceleration phase
This is the last stage in the enlargement process of the cervix, which will reach 10 cm. In this phase, everything accelerates: the contractions occur every 2 to 3 minutes, and last for a longer time, which will leave the mother with only a small respite.
It may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, redness or chills, and is the most severe stage for the mother.
Types of expansion
There are two types of expansion:
Passive expansion
The cervix expands from 0-3 centimeters, and the contractions occur irregularly, and with a medium intensity.
It is comfortable to be there at home, or in a quiet environment. You should not go to the hospital until the contractions occur every 5 minutes for an hour.
Active expansion
The cervix expands from 3 to 10 centimeters and the contractions become more frequent and intense.
It is best to be in the hospital at this time as the contractions precede the birth of the baby.
Cervix: when enlargement does not progress
Sometimes, the enlargement of the cervix will not occur fast enough, or stagnate.
Some of the causes can be: an abnormal cervix, a history of cervical surgery, a baby that is too large for the mother’s pelvis, or contractions that are not very effective.
However, this does not mean that a caesarean section is necessary. The medical team may be able to perform other technical interventions.
- A hole can be punctured in the amniotic fluid. This action usually results in stronger contractions, and a greater pressure on the baby’s head against the pelvis.
- Injection with synthetic oxytocin. This hormone will be a supplement to the natural oxytocin that generates contractions in the uterus that help strengthen them and make them more frequent.
