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.