A system for measuring dilation of a cervix of a uterus of a female during the first stage of labor, including an expandable gripping arrangement having two oppositely facing gripping members configured, such that, the gripping arrangement grips the dilating cervix. The system also includes a first elongated element having a calibrated scale disposed thereon and a second elongated element. A part of the second elongated element is disposed along the calibrated scale. The part of the second elongated element has an indicator disposed thereon. The first and second elongated element are mechanically connected to the gripping arrangement, in a manner such that, as the gripping arrangement expands with the dilating cervix, relative linear movement is generated between the first and second elongated elements, thereby moving the indicator with respect to the calibrated scale so as to give a measurement of dilation of the cervix.