Cervical Effacement

Cervical effacement

As labor nears, the fetus's head drops down into the pelvis and pushes against the cervix. The cervix begins to thin (efface) and open (dilate), sometimes over a few weeks.

ByHealthwise Staff

Primary Medical ReviewerKathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine

Specialist Medical ReviewerKirtly Jones, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology

Current as ofMarch 16, 2017

Current as of: March 16, 2017

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine & Kirtly Jones, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology