During labor, how many centimeters must the cervix dilate to allow for the delivery of the baby?

The cervix must dilate to 10 centimeters to allow for the delivery of the baby. This measurement signifies the complete opening of the cervix, often referred to as "full dilation." At this stage, the birth canal is sufficiently open to enable the baby to pass through during delivery. Dilation is an essential part of the labor process, and reaching the 10-centimeter mark typically indicates that the woman is in the final phase of labor, where delivery is imminent. Other levels of dilation, such as 1, 5, or 7 centimeters, represent earlier stages in labor, and while they are vital for monitoring progress, only at full dilation does delivery become possible.