inexperienced, question about dilation

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Specializes in LTC.

:confused: hi

I just have a (hopefully) quick question I'm hoping you can help me with. I graduated just this June from LPN school, and had only 1/2 quarter of OB.

When we did our OB rotation, we learned from the doctors and nurses at the hospital and our textbook that the typical cervix will dilate to 10 actual cm, and that the way this is measured is by the nurse/doctor using their fingers and then comparing this measurement to a chart or ruler (or by experience).

Today I overheard a woman I work with telling someone about to give birth that the cervix actually dilates to 20 cm, and that they way they measure this is when the doctor can fit BOTH OF HIS HANDS OUT FLAT inside?!

I just want to find out the truth, as I am at work and don't have my textbooks here. She says that is what her doctor told her? I guess I need to go back over my material on this subject.

thanks

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Specializes in Neuro/Med-Surg/Oncology.

Maybe it you sliced it and laid it out flat. I can't see a doc being able to fit both hands flat inside, period. Your pelvic bones aren't that far apart. Granted, they separate a little, but not that far.

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Specializes in LTC.

thanks

When I actually sit down and think about it, I know it doesn't make any sense.

But now there are about 4 ladies here that are trying to convince a guy I work with that his wife (who is giving birth any day) is going to dilate to 20cm, that it doesn't matter what his childbirth classes said, and that sex with his wife will never be the same! (poor guy, luckily I don't think he's paying attention to their claims)

It's just getting crazier and crazier here today.

I just hope that one of the nursing homes I applied to calls soon!

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Specializes in Neuro/Med-Surg/Oncology.

Well, now you know why the first lady said it. They need to give the poor guy a break.

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Unless that baby has decided to be driving a John Deere tractor through her cervix, I can't imagine a 20cm dilitation! That poor man. This is where

that "extra love stitch" for the husband would definitely be needed.

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