No, you won't be able to feel your cervix opening.
While you won't directly feel the dilation of your cervix, the process is accompanied by other sensations that indicate labor is progressing. According to Ellson, you will feel the uterine contractions that work to stretch the cervix open. These contractions are the primary indicator that your cervix is dilating.
Here's a breakdown of what you might experience during labor:
- Uterine Contractions: These are the tightening and relaxing of the uterus muscles. They become more frequent, longer, and stronger as labor progresses. These contractions cause the cervix to open.
- Pressure: You might feel pressure in your lower back, abdomen, or pelvis as the baby descends and the cervix dilates.
- Other Signs of Labor: These can include a bloody show (loss of the mucus plug), water breaking, and increased back pain.
Therefore, while you won't feel the cervix itself opening, the accompanying contractions and pressure are significant signs that labor is progressing.
