What level of cervical dilation is typically reached during the latent phase for a nullipara?

During the latent phase of labor for a nulliparous woman, cervical dilation typically reaches around 3 cm. This phase is characterized by the gradual onset of labor, often involving mild and infrequent contractions. The latent phase can last for a variable amount of time, during which the cervix effaces and begins to dilate.

Understanding that the latent phase is an early part of labor is essential. It precedes the active phase, where cervical dilation progresses more rapidly. For a nullipara, the transition into the active phase begins upon reaching approximately 4 cm of cervical dilation. Therefore, while the latent phase can encompass dilation up to about 3 cm, it serves as an important initial step in the process of labor before the more intense and frequent contractions are experienced in later stages.