Effacement

Effacement is a term used in obstetrics to describe the process by which the cervix prepares for childbirth. This process involves the shortening and thinning of the cervical canal from its normal length of about 1 inch to a completely thinned out state. Effacement is measured in percentages, from 0% (no effacement) to 100% (fully effaced).

Process

During pregnancy, the cervix is typically 3.5 to 4 cm long. As the body prepares for childbirth, the cervix begins to soften, shorten and thin out in a process known as effacement. This is the body's natural way of allowing the baby to pass through the birth canal during labor.

Effacement is often accompanied by dilation, the opening of the cervix. While effacement refers to the thinning of the cervix, dilation refers to the opening of the cervix. Both of these processes are necessary for a vaginal birth.

Measurement

Effacement is measured in percentages. A cervix that is not at all effaced is 0% effaced, while a cervix that is completely thinned out is 100% effaced. This measurement is often given along with the measurement for dilation in order to give a complete picture of how labor is progressing.

Factors affecting effacement

Several factors can affect the process of effacement. These include the woman's overall health, the position of the baby, and the strength of contractions. In some cases, medical interventions may be necessary to help the process along.

See also

• Dilation (birth)
• Childbirth
• Obstetrics

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