Assessment of cervical dilatation during labor: a review.

Various techniques for assessment of cervical dilatation during labor or 'cervimetry' have been described, including digital, (electro)mechanical, electromagnetic and ultrasound cervimetry. In this paper the validity and usefulness of instrumental cervimetry is assessed on the basis of the available literature. Cervimetry using ultrasound transducers allows continuous and reliable recording of cervical dilatation during labor with little discomfort to the patient. In comparison with other instrumental techniques for measurement of cervical dilation ultrasound cervimetry seems to be the most promising method available.