title: Cervical dilation: accuracy of visual and digital examinations.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To determine the accuracy of visually versus digitally determined cervical dilation.
  
  
  METHODS
  We studied 64 pregnant women with rupture of the amniotic membranes. One of two residents performed a speculum examination, estimated the dilation and effacement visually, and noted whether fetal parts or amniotic membranes were present. The same examiner then determined digitally the cervical dilation and effacement and station of the presenting part.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There was a statistically significant correlation between visually and digitally determined cervical dilation (r = 0.78, P < .001).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Visual estimation of cervical dilation correlates well with digital examination.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Lyndon Baines Johnson General Hospital, University of Texas Medical School, Houston.
authors.forename: C L
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Brown
authors.forename: M H
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Ludwiczak
authors.forename: J D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Blanco
authors.forename: C E
authors.initials: CE
authors.lastname: Hirsch
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002584:Cervix Uteri / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D005322:Premature Rupture of Fetal Membranes / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D007747:Labor Stage, First; D010808:Physical Examination; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011247:Pregnancy