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This ‘Dilation Chart’ Helps People Understand That Giving Birth Is Not Just Painful, It’s Hardcore
There’s something about the word ‘dilation’ that makes me irrationally uncomfortable; it suggests a widening, a swelling, an engorging of bodily fluids to facilitate the smooth passage of something into, or out of, the human body.
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Image credits: scvbirthcenter
The example that first comes to mind is, of course, the miracle of childbirth. During labor, the midwife keeps mom-to-be updated on the status of cervix dilation to give an idea of how far the process is coming along. From 1cm, the size of a cheerio all the way to 10cm, the size of a bagel, the change is incredible and is vividly illustrated with this handy ‘dilation chart.’
Image credits: scvbirthcenter
A photo of the wooden chart was originally shared by SCV Birth Center, a pregnancy care clinic in Santa Clarita, California. The chart helps women to visualize what the midwives are telling them during labor because well, why not, right? It’s also a handy educational tool for midwives and doctors.
Image credits: etsy
If you wanted to get your hands on one of these beautifully-made wooden charts for yourself, perhaps as a discussion piece for your wall or coffee table or simply a reminder of the power of your vagina, you can find them for sale on Etsy here.
Image credits: Steffanie Christi’an
Facebook user Steffanie Christi’an saw the post by SCV Birth Center and shared it along with the caption “This is what 10cm of dilation looks like. This is why we deserve all the things.” Her post quickly went viral as women all over the world were confronted with the stark and impressive realities of childbirth.
Image credits: etsy
What do you think? Does the chart help to put things into perspective? Does it scare you at all? How was your experience of giving birth? Let us know in the comments!
Image credits: etsy
Here’s how people responded to the eye-opening chart
What do you think ?
Lila Launehase 6 years ago
I had two babies and I found this interesting. During birth I didn't had that much of a view on my vagina ;) And to be honest: yes, it hurts. But it is not the biggest pain I ever had. You get a lot of happy-hormones and a baby. That's worth it :D
Kamryn McNamara 6 years ago
I think it's more of a natural pain, as I've heard it described. For me, pain is when something is horribly wrong but I think childbirth is a natural pain, just a part of life, and I think it's beautiful, but I still want to adopt rather than give birth. Not because I'm scared of my body changing, but because I had a harsh childhood and I think everyone deserves a chance with a good home and there are so many kids struggling out there.
Load More Replies...
Reilly Beryll 6 years ago
Ouch! My sister’s hips weren’t built for childbirth, but her doctor gave her the Okay to give natural birth. It nearly killed both her and her daughter. I know it’s natural for our bodies to do this — dilation I mean —, but the thought of this happening to me just makes me ‘oof’.
Reilly Beryll 6 years ago
Extra note: when my sis gave birth, her daughter was stuck, and they had to literally cut her vaj to bits to get the kid out. I think there were 16 stitches. 20? More? This is part of why I hope to have a c-section if I ever end up pregnant. But others are certainly welcome to give natural birth. It’s a great accomplishment, I think, to shove a small human through your body. So yes, ten centimeters is one hell of a lot.
Load More Replies...
Noez 🇸🇪 6 years ago
I'm European so I was very well aware of how much 10 cm is, thank you... But I'm still not doing this s**t! No kids for me! No! No! No!
John Smith 6 years ago
You sure Noez? You could always have it cut from your belly instead.
Load More Replies...
JillVille 6 years ago
So I've had four babies naturally and even with my 11 pound 1oz son, I never really considered how big 10cm really is, I just worried about having the baby without using any drugs if I could. This is definitely an eye opener! Wow.
Reggie Kraken 6 years ago
I'm not sure 'horrifying change' is the best way to describe what happens to pregnant women to be honest.
Kamryn McNamara 6 years ago
I think it's beautiful, the stretchmarks, like who cares, right? It's so human and beautifully raw and natural.
Load More Replies...
Kamryn McNamara 6 years ago
There are no words to describe how much that 10 scares me.... I flinch just thinking about it...
Shauna Mañana 6 years ago
I was only a six or seven when my preemie decided she had enough and delivered herself on the hospital bed. I had preeclampsia and at 34 weeks. Dr gave me double pitocin and magnesium. Baby wanted OUT
Imaginer 31415 (Imaginer31415) 6 years ago
Lil' girl couldn't wait to meet her momma, huh? How is she doing now?
Load More Replies...
JV 6 years ago
Omfg. My first baby was off the chart. A few nurses who came to take care of me after the destruction of my private parts would silently gasp and ask "oh... are you okay". I was under a lot of anesthesia, because the peridural had wornoff during the travail, so I didn't feel a lot while in the hospital. When I got home, however, it hurt to sit and to pee. So, I'm glad I gave birth during the new millenium, because 60 years ago, I or my baby or both could have died.
BusLady 6 years ago
Wow, looking at this chart is amazing. In the first place, my son weighed almost 10 pounds and looked a month old when I brought him home from the hospital (I kid you not!) I only dilated to 4 centimeters, and they had to do a Cesarean delivery. No way that "little head" was getting through that! Lol
Lila Launehase 6 years ago
I had two babies and I found this interesting. During birth I didn't had that much of a view on my vagina ;) And to be honest: yes, it hurts. But it is not the biggest pain I ever had. You get a lot of happy-hormones and a baby. That's worth it :D
Kamryn McNamara 6 years ago
I think it's more of a natural pain, as I've heard it described. For me, pain is when something is horribly wrong but I think childbirth is a natural pain, just a part of life, and I think it's beautiful, but I still want to adopt rather than give birth. Not because I'm scared of my body changing, but because I had a harsh childhood and I think everyone deserves a chance with a good home and there are so many kids struggling out there.
Load More Replies... Reilly Beryll 6 years ago
Ouch! My sister’s hips weren’t built for childbirth, but her doctor gave her the Okay to give natural birth. It nearly killed both her and her daughter. I know it’s natural for our bodies to do this — dilation I mean —, but the thought of this happening to me just makes me ‘oof’.
Reilly Beryll 6 years ago
Extra note: when my sis gave birth, her daughter was stuck, and they had to literally cut her vaj to bits to get the kid out. I think there were 16 stitches. 20? More? This is part of why I hope to have a c-section if I ever end up pregnant. But others are certainly welcome to give natural birth. It’s a great accomplishment, I think, to shove a small human through your body. So yes, ten centimeters is one hell of a lot.
Load More Replies... Noez 🇸🇪 6 years ago
I'm European so I was very well aware of how much 10 cm is, thank you... But I'm still not doing this s**t! No kids for me! No! No! No!
John Smith 6 years ago
You sure Noez? You could always have it cut from your belly instead.
Load More Replies... JillVille 6 years ago
So I've had four babies naturally and even with my 11 pound 1oz son, I never really considered how big 10cm really is, I just worried about having the baby without using any drugs if I could. This is definitely an eye opener! Wow.
Reggie Kraken 6 years ago
I'm not sure 'horrifying change' is the best way to describe what happens to pregnant women to be honest.
Kamryn McNamara 6 years ago
I think it's beautiful, the stretchmarks, like who cares, right? It's so human and beautifully raw and natural.
Load More Replies... Kamryn McNamara 6 years ago
There are no words to describe how much that 10 scares me.... I flinch just thinking about it...
Shauna Mañana 6 years ago
I was only a six or seven when my preemie decided she had enough and delivered herself on the hospital bed. I had preeclampsia and at 34 weeks. Dr gave me double pitocin and magnesium. Baby wanted OUT
Imaginer 31415 (Imaginer31415) 6 years ago
Lil' girl couldn't wait to meet her momma, huh? How is she doing now?
Load More Replies... JV 6 years ago
Omfg. My first baby was off the chart. A few nurses who came to take care of me after the destruction of my private parts would silently gasp and ask "oh... are you okay". I was under a lot of anesthesia, because the peridural had wornoff during the travail, so I didn't feel a lot while in the hospital. When I got home, however, it hurt to sit and to pee. So, I'm glad I gave birth during the new millenium, because 60 years ago, I or my baby or both could have died.
BusLady 6 years ago
Wow, looking at this chart is amazing. In the first place, my son weighed almost 10 pounds and looked a month old when I brought him home from the hospital (I kid you not!) I only dilated to 4 centimeters, and they had to do a Cesarean delivery. No way that "little head" was getting through that! Lol
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