First stage: Thinning and opening of the cervix Institut national de santé publique du Québec
![](https://www.inspq.qc.ca/sites/default/files/mieux-vivre/accouchement/ouverture_col.jpg)
Opening of the cervix The first stage of labour is the period when your contractions start to be regular. These contractions allow the cervix to thin (efface) and open completely (dilate), until it is 10 centimetres wide.
![](https://www.inspq.qc.ca/sites/default/files/mieux-vivre/accouchement/section_stades.jpg)
The stages of childbirth Institut national de santé publique du Québec
![](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61Qjl9HVwLL._AC_UF1000,1000_QL80_.jpg)
Cervical maturation in premature rupture of membranes at term : Olfa, Zoukar: : Livres
![](https://images.medindia.net/amp-images/patientinfo/cervical-ripening-procedure.jpg)
Cervix Dilation, 42% OFF
![](https://www.inspq.qc.ca/sites/default/files/mieux-vivre/grossesse/anatomie_femme_coupe.jpg)
Before pregnancy Institut national de santé publique du Québec
![](https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/image/dilation-2.jpg?itok=_J8VLHFw)
The First Stage of Labour - Early Phase
![](https://www.inspq.qc.ca/sites/default/files/mieux-vivre/bebe/vue.jpg)
Eyesight Institut national de santé publique du Québec
![](https://www.inspq.qc.ca/sites/default/files/mieux-vivre/grossesse/cycle_menstruel.jpg)
Before pregnancy Institut national de santé publique du Québec
Cervix Dilation
![](https://www.inspq.qc.ca/sites/default/files/2023-03/from-tiny-tot-to-toddler-2023_1.png)
From Tiny Tot to Toddler Institut national de santé publique du Québec
![](https://nursekey.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/B9780702031052000422_f036-002ab-9780702031052.jpg)
in the first stage of labour