What is cervical dilation?
During labor, the cervix thins and the cervical opening widens. The diameter of this opening is called cervical dilation, which is an important marker of labor progress.
Cervical Dilation
The current method for measuring cervical dilation is called the digital method. This involves the physician inserting two fingers into the cervical opening and estimating dilation.
The Digital Method
Image from the American Pregnancy Association
The Need
Inaccurate: As low as 20% accurate
Subjective: Up to 52% variability between physicians
Increased risk of infection: Higher number of exams is associated with a higher risk of chorioamnionitis
Uncomfortable: Patients have described exams as close to "torture" in interviews
The digital method has downsides:
Painless stabilization in vaginal canal
Near continuous monitor
Automatic dilation measurement using AI
CERV aims to solve these problems:
