Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. Updated visitor guidelines. Top of the page. Cervical Effacement and Dilatation. Topic Overview Effacement and dilatation allow a baby to be born through the birth canal.
Effacement As the baby's head drops down into the pelvis, it pushes against the cervix. Dilatation After the cervix begins to efface, it will also start to open. Credits Current as of: October 8, Top of the page Next Section: Related Information.
Previous Section: Related Information Top of the page. Current as of: October 8, The same applies to all the different degrees of effacement.
Unlike effacement, which is when your cervix shortens and thins out measured in percentages , dilation is the term used to describe the opening or widening of the cervix. To properly understand the meaning of effacement, you need to know a bit about the first stage of labour, which is broken up into two phases, known as the latent phase and the active phase of labour. Unlike Braxton Hicks, true contractions can be painful, and they occur at regular intervals.
However, during the latent phase of labour you may experience contractions stopping and starting, with some bouts lasting a few hours at a time. The latent phase of labour is also when your cervix starts softening and thinning effacement and opening dilation. This process continues, often very slowly, until you are in active labour, when the pace of effacement and dilation speeds up. Let your midwife know if you start feeling contractions or any other signs of labour , which in the latent phase might include:.
A clear, pink or blood-streaked vaginal discharge which could be your mucus plug being ejected. The length of the latent phase of labour differs a lot between mums-to-be and pregnancies. But you might notice a few signs your cervix is doing the ripening thing. How to check if you have an effaced cervix? Your doctor will likely check for you at your appointments as you near your due date.
And—especially if this is your first birth—the process may take up to a few weeks. Some women try to jumpstart labor naturally using techniques such as walking, squatting, having sex or getting acupuncture. What is Cervical Effacement? February 26, Pregnancy Health. When your cervix starts to efface, labor is near! Error Include a valid email address. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information and to understand which information is beneficial, we may combine your e-mail and website usage information with other information we have about you.
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