Can someone explain dialation and effacement? I keep seeing mommas say they are 1-3cm dialated and 25% effaced, what does that mean I’m a ftm
WeMoms
2 Apr 2024
Effacement and Dilation Explained
Effacement and Dilation Explained
As your pregnancy progresses, understanding the changes your body undergoes is vital for the journey ahead.
Two critical processes that occur as labor approaches are effacement and dilation of the cervix.
These changes are essential for the passage of your baby during birth.
Key Facts
Effacement and dilation are the body's natural way of preparing for delivery.
Effacement refers to the thinning of the cervix, while dilation is the widening of the cervical opening.
What, Why, How?
- What is Effacement? Effacement is the process of the cervix thinning out. It's measured as a percentage, from 0% (no thinning) to 100% (fully thinned).
- What is Dilation? Dilation refers to the opening of the cervix, measured in centimeters, from 0 cm (closed) to 10 cm (fully open).
- Why They Happen: These changes allow your baby to pass through the birth canal during delivery.
- How They Occur: Contractions and hormonal changes during labor promote effacement and dilation.
Thinning of the Cervix: The Way is Clear for Baby!
As you near the end of your pregnancy, your body begins the incredible preparation for childbirth.
One of the key changes is the thinning of the cervix, known as cervical effacement, a crucial step in labor progression signaling your body's readiness for the baby's arrival.
Understanding Cervical Effacement
- Definition: Effacement refers to the cervix becoming softer, shorter, and thinner. It is measured in percentages from 0% to 100%.
- Significance: Effacement is an important aspect of labor as it allows the cervix to dilate more easily.
- Effacement and Dilation: These two processes usually occur together but at varying rates for different women.
The Progression of Cervical Effacement
- Early Stage: Early in pregnancy, the cervix is firm, thick, and closed. As labor approaches, it starts to soften and shorten.
- Thinning and Shortening: The cervix gradually thins out and shortens, known as effacement, preparing for the baby to move into the birth canal.
- Complete Effacement: By the time labor is underway, the cervix will be 100% effaced, indicating it is fully thinned and ready for dilation to progress.
Factors Influencing Cervical Effacement
- Hormonal Changes: Hormones like oxytocin play a significant role in initiating contractions that lead to effacement and dilation.
- Previous Pregnancies: Women who have had children before might experience quicker effacement and dilation.
- Baby's Position: The position and pressure of the baby's head on the cervix can stimulate effacement.
Monitoring Cervical Effacement
- Clinical Assessments: Your healthcare provider will assess effacement through vaginal examinations, especially as you get closer to your due date.
- Signs of Effacement: Some women might feel increased pelvic pressure or have a noticeable increase in vaginal discharge as effacement progresses.
Dear moms-to-be, understanding the significance of effacement and dilation can empower you as you prepare for labor and delivery.
These changes are your body's natural way of ensuring a safe passage for your baby.
Stay informed, communicate with your healthcare provider, and trust in your body's capability to bring your little one into the world.
You're almost there!
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Labor Onset and Early Signs
1 min read
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Ahmari🫶🏾💙
27 Aug 2023
So guyss I b having contractions I'm 1/5 cm dilated and 70% effacement but they sent me back home bc ig like it's early labor ig but not the real deal just yet do yall know what that means & the percentage??
TinaMarie
Girl bounce on that ball . You due anyday , any hour ! Everybody different some go weeks.
27 Mar 2024
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Ahmari🫶🏾💙
I don't have a ball I don't plan on buying one bc I'm not getting pregnant again and don't wanna buy it to use one time I'ma continue doing my routine and see if labor starts soon
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Valeria
28 Jun 2023
39 weeks n no dilation only like 30% effaced, has anyone been the same and still deliver on time?
💙Sir Hugo Mom🩵
Yes I was like that. Have you tried Red Raspberry Leaf tea? That was recommended to me at 37weeks. I was active my entire pregnancy. I had my son 40wks to the day. My water broke but I was only 3 centimeters. They only admitted me because my water broke & blood pressure was bout to kill me. I agreed to taking Pitocin to help speed up the process because I was beginning to panic with those contractions & I hadn't slept in over 50hrs due to laboring. Try taking a warm bath also ohh & plenty of sex & nipple stimulation. Those nipples will get the contractions going too. My son was head down but sunny side up
27 Mar 2024
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Valeria
Thank you!! Ill go buy some red raspberry tea today n star drinking it, can it be cold? I been really active nesting this Last couple of days and been feeling presure and little pain but nothing hasnt change since 36 weeks
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Shakiya
23 Jun 2023
Water has been broken 🤞🏾 let’s see if we can speed up this process. Still not on pitocin since I am making some progress naturally with dilating and effacement. Doctor broke water to see if that gets the process going but we will start pitocin in the next hour or so if no more dilation
Bri🇪🇸🇭🇹🇩🇴🇮🇹
Good luck girl ! I wish you safe and sound delivery 😊❤️
27 Mar 2024
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Shakiya
Thanks girl 💖💖
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Linda
4 Jun 2023
Does effacement means soft cervix ? I’m 50% effacement and that’s all my nurse told me and I’m 2 cm
Kim♈️⭐️
When i was in L&D i was told effacement was the thinning/shortening of my cervix and dilation was the opening of my cervix🤗 wishing you a safe delivery whenever baby decides to come !!
27 Mar 2024
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kaitlyn
25 Apr 2023
Im 37 weeks today and have no dilation. Im 70% effaced though, what can i do to make some progress?
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Sabrina
19 Apr 2023
Here’s a chart on dilation for anyone who’s interested in how it looks. I’m only a pea size lol and not effaced at all😂
Sabrina
We getting there lol
27 Mar 2024
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Tiffany
Thanks for this!
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