What does cervical effacement mean?

To make way for your baby, your cervix goes through different stages, one of which is effacement.

• During your pregnancy, the cervix moves backward and closes to protect the fetus. It should remain closed, long, and firm until term.
• As delivery approaches, the cervix gradually changes to prepare for passage.
• After aligning itself again with the axis of the vagina, it becomes more flexible and gradually shortens and softens, until it disappears completely.
• The phase of effacement of the cervix can last from a few hours to a few days, depending on the woman.