Word parts
What it means
The act or state of getting wider. In labor, cervical dilation is measured from 0 to 10 centimeters; 10 cm is fully dilated, when the baby can pass. Pupils dilate in dim light and with some drugs. Blood vessels dilate (vasodilation) to increase blood flow or lower blood pressure. Dilatation is another spelling.
For the nurse
In labor, cervical dilation is recorded with effacement and fetal station to follow progress. A newly dilated, slow-reacting pupil on one side can be a sign of rising pressure in the skull and is reported at once.
At a glance
| Spanish | dilatación |
|---|---|
| Also written | dilatation |
Related terms
intracranial pressure
The pressure inside the skull, made by the brain, the blood and the fluid around the brain.
uterine contraction
A tightening and then relaxing of the muscle of the uterus (womb), as happens during labor.
cervix
The narrow lower end of the uterus, which opens into the vagina.