Articles
Signs of labor: Know what to expect
Content
Effacement: Thinning of the cervix
Dilation: Opening of the cervix
Increase in vaginal discharge
Nesting: Spurt of energy
Feeling the baby has dropped lower
Rupture of membranes: Your water breaks
Contractions: When labor pains begin
Expect false alarms
Effacement: Thinning of the cervix
Before labor, the lower part of your uterus called the cervix is typically 3.5 cm to 4 cm long. As labor begins, your cervix softens, shortens and thins (effacement). You might feel uncomfortable, but irregular, not very painful contractions or nothing at all.
Effacement is often expressed in percentages. At 0 percent effacement, the cervix is at least 2 centimeters (cm) long, or very thick. Your cervix must be 100 percent effaced, or completely thinned out, before a vaginal delivery.
