Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Pregnant woman holding apple in one hand and touching belly with other hand Tetra Images/Getty Images In preparation for the birth ...

The cervix dilates (opens) during the first stage of labor to prepare for the baby's birth. Cervical dilation is measured from 1 to 10 centimeters. You are ready to push and deliver when the cervix ...

Cervical effacement refers to the shortening and thinning of the cervix. It is part of the process that helps the cervix prepare for a vaginal delivery. The cervix connects the lower portion of the ...

Cervical effacement is a term to describe thinning of the cervix, the lower end of your uterus that connects with your vagina. This thinning occurs before and during labor and helps prepare your ...

Dilation and effacement are your body's way of getting ready for labor – your cervix gradually opens (dilates) and thins out (effaces) to help your baby make that grand entrance. This process can ...

Dilation and effacement are terms that doctors and other birth professionals use to describe the changes in the cervix that are required for vaginal birth. Even if you've heard these terms, you may ...