When it comes to pregnancy, there is a lot of lingo that you may hear thrown around. It can be difficult to understand all of these terms, particularly if you are new to the world of pregnancy. One of these terms you may have heard is ‘effacement’. You may have heard your doctor or midwife mention it during a prenatal appointment, or read about it in a book. In this blog post, we will cover what effacement means in pregnancy and help you understand how it relates to the changes your body is going through. We will look at what effacement is, when it typically happens, and what it means for you and your baby. We will also cover the signs that you may experience in your body that indicate you are effacing, and what you and your healthcare provider can do to help ensure a successful pregnancy. Stay tuned!
When do I need to call the doctor?
Effacement is not a reason to call your doctor. Before a vaginal delivery, a completely natural process is required to take place. But if you believe you might be in labor, you should contact your doctor.
Additionally, any of the symptoms listed below may indicate a complication:
What Does It Mean to Be 50 Percent Effaced?
When you are in labor, your healthcare provider may say something like, “You are 50% effaced.” This merely indicates that your cervix has thinned to 50% of what is regarded as fully effaced. Thus, if your healthcare provider says this to you, you have achieved 50 percent effacement.
As your due date approaches, your OB-GYN or midwife will likely offer cervical checks. They can determine how effaced and dilated you are during these checks.
Even though it’s simple to get distracted by all the figures and percentages, your job is to persevere and bring your child into the world. Try to unwind both your body and mind, and above all else, remember to breathe. You’ve got this, mama!.
Congratulations if you’re getting close to the end of your pregnancy; if you’re feeling a little restless, we understand. Pregnancy is long.
Try thinking of your uterus as a turtleneck sweater. The cervix is the neck part. It remains in place for the majority of your pregnancy to safeguard your child. As contractions begin, they help stretch and shorten the neck. The neck of the sweater eventually becomes so stretched and thin that it allows the baby’s head to rest at the opening as your baby descends further down the birth canal.
If not, your cervix will eventually thin out and become sufficiently open for both the head and body of your unborn child to pass through your vagina. If you stop to think about it, all that development and change are truly amazing. The fact that your body will eventually revert to its pre-pregnancy state is even more astounding.
FAQ
Is it better to be dilated or effaced?
Can you be 100 effaced and not in labor?
What does it mean to be 80% effaced?
How long after effacement does labor begin?