An instrument for measuring cervical dilation can have a pair of arms connected at their proximal ends to an arm pivot or articulating member, the arms being in movable communication with a gauge assembly for measuring the relative distance between the arms at a fixed location near the proximal ends of the arms. The arms can be disposed to apply an outward lateral pressure against the walls of the cervix, thereby engaging the cervix without the need for physical penetration, gripping, or other attachment of the device to the cervical tissue. Continuous outward lateral pressure of the arms against the cervical walls can allow the arms to expand in response to and in concert with expansion and dilation of the cervix. The relative distance between the arms correlates to the diameter of the cervix, such that the correlated measurement indicated on a scale of the gauge means is the measurement of cervical dilation.