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.
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
THAT IS SCARY! It's amazing, but really scary too. Can you imagine the pain you'd feel if your body did that? And then having to push out a tiny human? Ouch! So much respect for mums that go through this! <3
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
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.
Thank you all so much
"A natural pain" describes it perfectly. Mother Nature designed the female body perfectly for this task. So this is one of the most "normal" things in life. I wish you the best for your future, I am sure you'll make a great mother.
Not my experience. I've had 3 and the first 2 of them by far, the worst pain I've ever felt. The third was thankfully fast and easy, but the pain has never felt ok or normal or natural. Never got any 'happy-hormones'.
Okay, thank you for that, I hope it's worth it for you
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’.
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.
@ Reilly: Oh, that's awful that she had to go through that. They should have performed a Cesarean before it got to that point. I hope she and child are doing okay now.
You’ll probably need even more stitches if you get a c section, just in a different place.
True. I’m just more used to going under the knife than I am tearing my own self up. And it’d be easier to keep clean and such. I have a very slight preference. But you’ve got a point, Nia.
@ Buslady: she’s great! She’s got a son now too! C-section, so it was ago. He was 11 pounds!!
Stitches in the vaginal skin heal a lot easier and are safer than major abdominal surgery. Sounds like they used forceps.
THAT IS SCARY! It's amazing, but really scary too. Can you imagine the pain you'd feel if your body did that? And then having to push out a tiny human? Ouch! So much respect for mums that go through this! <3
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
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.
Thank you all so much
"A natural pain" describes it perfectly. Mother Nature designed the female body perfectly for this task. So this is one of the most "normal" things in life. I wish you the best for your future, I am sure you'll make a great mother.
Not my experience. I've had 3 and the first 2 of them by far, the worst pain I've ever felt. The third was thankfully fast and easy, but the pain has never felt ok or normal or natural. Never got any 'happy-hormones'.
Okay, thank you for that, I hope it's worth it for you
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’.
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.
@ Reilly: Oh, that's awful that she had to go through that. They should have performed a Cesarean before it got to that point. I hope she and child are doing okay now.
You’ll probably need even more stitches if you get a c section, just in a different place.
True. I’m just more used to going under the knife than I am tearing my own self up. And it’d be easier to keep clean and such. I have a very slight preference. But you’ve got a point, Nia.
@ Buslady: she’s great! She’s got a son now too! C-section, so it was ago. He was 11 pounds!!
Stitches in the vaginal skin heal a lot easier and are safer than major abdominal surgery. Sounds like they used forceps.