What is effacement during labor?

Effacement during labor refers specifically to the thinning of the cervix as labor progresses. This process is crucial because it prepares the cervix for dilation, which is the opening of the cervix that occurs later in labor. During effacement, the cervix shortens and becomes softer, allowing it to be more flexible as the baby descends into the birth canal. This thinning is measured in percentages, with complete effacement being 100%, indicating that the cervix has effectively become fully stretched and is ready for the next phase of delivery. Understanding effacement is essential in the context of labor, as it plays a significant role in determining the progress of labor and the timing of delivery.