Syntymäkanava

Syntymäkanava refers to the passage a baby travels through during childbirth. It is composed of the mother's cervix, vagina, and vulva. The cervix, the lower, narrow part of the uterus, must dilate, or open, to allow the baby to pass from the uterus into the vagina. This dilation typically occurs gradually throughout labor, reaching a maximum of about 10 centimeters. The vagina is a muscular canal that connects the cervix to the outside of the body. During the second stage of labor, the baby descends through the vagina. The vulva, the external female genitalia, is the final part of the birth canal. The size and elasticity of the birth canal are important factors in childbirth. The baby's head is typically the largest part of its body and its shape can mold somewhat to fit through the birth canal. The process of the baby moving through the birth canal is called the birth process or labor. The length and intensity of this process can vary significantly among individuals and pregnancies. Understanding the anatomy and function of the birth canal is fundamental to the practice of obstetrics and midwifery.