Midwives carve dilation measurements into pumpkins

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The scariest Halloween decorations you’ll ever see! Midwives illustrate cervix dilation measurements with PUMPKIN carvings that leave women feeling weak

  • Midwives at Royal Oldham Hospital carved pumpkins ahead of Halloween
  • Giving each pumpkin a face, they demonstrated cervix dilation during labour
  • Women took to Facebook admitting their amazed by their ability of their bodies
  • Others said it makes them want to ‘cross their legs’ and ‘not have children’ 

By Latoya Gayle For Mailonline

Published: | Updated:

Midwives have carved cervix dilation measurements into a group of Halloween pumpkins to create a ‘truly terrifying’ display. 

Staff at Royal Oldham Hospital, Greater Manchester, carved ‘O’-shaped mouths measuring 1cm-10cm into pumpkins and left them out on the ward as part of a decorating competition.  

A photo of the display has gone viral after it was shared by local news outlet The Manc on Facebook, racking up over 19,000 shares and a stream of comments.

Staff at Royal Oldham Hospital, Greater Manchester, carved ‘O’-shaped mouths measuring 1cm-10cm into pumpkins and left them out on the ward as part of a decorating competition

When mothers reach 10cm then it could be time for them to push, because this is the size a cervix needs to be for a baby to pass through.

Mothers and women hoping to have children in the future dubbed the display the most ‘terrifying’ Halloween decoration ever. 

‘Why does that make me want to do some pelvic floor exercises,’ wrote one.

Another said: ‘No way did my bits get so big three times, yikes another reason to cross my legs forever.’  

A stream of responses to the post came from women who found the visual representation of the cervix dilation 'terrifying'

A stream of responses to the post came from women who found the visual representation of the cervix dilation ‘terrifying’ 

Dilation during labour  

During the first stage of labour, the muscles of the uterus contract, pulling up the cervix and causing it to gradually open up (dilate). 

At the same time, the baby’s head slowly moves down into the pelvis, pressing on the cervix and helping it to dilate.

In a textbook labour, regular contractions lasting 20-30 seconds occur every 20-30 minutes, accompanied by what many women say feels like period pain. 

When a doctor or midwife can fit two fingers into the cervix, the mother is said to be about 3cm dilated and therefore in established labour.

When the cervix is fully open it will measure about 10cm across. As the cervix opens, contractions may come more frequently and last longer. They may also be more painful. 

A third added: ‘That’s the most terrifying Halloween decorative I’ve ever seen!’

Further responses to the post came from women remembering their own experiences of giving birth.

‘OMG – that does not bear thinking about! Only thing I can think of here is at least it snaps back when baby is delivered – usually,’ wrote one.

Another said: ‘I had to get my second son out at 7cm, as his heart had stopped and he was born purple with cord around his neck. 

‘Thankfully they got him breathing, no wonder I had to be stitched like mad. It’s amazing how our bodies work really’ 

A third added: ‘I got to 9cm before the hospital decided I was in labour and needed a Caesarean quickly!’ 

Laughing, a fourth wrote: ‘Ooooochy being a mum of five I remember the 10cm pumpkin well. 

He’s the one that burns and stings in the most excruciating painful way.’ 

Many others shared stories from their own labour experiences, with some revealing they didn't make it to 10cm

Many others shared stories from their own labour experiences, with some revealing they didn’t make it to 10cm