Cervical dilation is the gradual opening of the cervix during labor, allowing the baby to pass through the birth canal. There are a variety of synonyms that describe this process. These include cervical effacement, which refers to the thinning and shortening of the cervix in preparation for birth; ripening, which describes the softening of the cervix as it gets ready to stretch; and dilatation, which is the medical term for the widening of the cervical opening. Other terms that may be used to describe cervical dilation include opening, progress, expansion, and advancement. While these terms may differ, they all refer to the essential process by which a woman's body prepares to give birth.