What is the typical range of cervical dilation during the labor process?

Cervical dilation is a critical aspect of the labor process, reflecting the opening of the cervix to facilitate the passage of the baby through the birth canal. The typical range of cervical dilation during this process is from zero to ten centimeters. Initially, the cervix is closed (0 centimeters) and gradually opens to the full dilation of ten centimeters, which is necessary for the baby to be born.

This dilation process occurs in stages, with early labor characterized by slight dilation and then progressing towards full dilation. Recognizing that full cervical dilation at ten centimeters marks the transition from labor into the pushing phase is essential for understanding the labor process and the timing of interventions or support for the laboring person. Therefore, the correct range of cervical dilation during labor is indeed from zero to ten centimeters.