Wash your hands thoroughly
Trim and clean your fingernails
Get into a comfortable position, such as squatting, sitting on the toilet, or lying on your back with knees bent
Relax your pelvic muscles as much as possible
Gently insert one or two clean fingers into the vagina
Feel for the cervix, which is the firm, round opening at the top of the vagina
Compare how open the cervix feels by estimating how many finger widths it can admit
Note whether the cervix feels closed, slightly open, or more open
Stop if you feel pain, bleeding, or strong discomfort
Avoid checking if your water has broken, you have vaginal bleeding, or you suspect infection
Ask a healthcare professional to check dilation for the most accurate assessment