In our article on the 3 phases of labor We were talking about the effacement of the cervix. Effacement is necessary for natural childbirth, but What is effacement of the cervix? Let's see what it is about in more detail below.
What is the cervix?
El cervix o uterine cervix is a fibromuscular portion that is located just in the lower part of the uterus. It is shaped like a cylinder or conical and communicates the uterus with the vagina. It measures approximately 3-4 centimeters long and 2,5 centimeters in diameter, although its size varies according to age, the number of previous deliveries and the time of the hormonal cycle.
The part that is closest to the uterus is called the endocervix and the part closest to the vagina is called the exocervix or ectocervix.
What is effacement of the cervix?
Effacement, shortening, or softening of the cervix is the progressive disappearance of the cervix to let the baby pass through the birth canal. Effacement indicates that the birthing process has begun and that the body is preparing for that moment. The cervix softens and its cylindrical shape fades until it disappears, leaving it in the shape of a ring (cervical ring).
Effacement of the cervix begins in the early or latent phase of dilation, which is the longest phase as we already saw in the article the 3 phases of labor. Once effacement or shortening occurs, it is when dilation begins, until it reaches the 10 centimeters of dilation necessary for the baby to come out.
How long does the effacement process of the cervix take?
The time it takes to produce then it completely depends on each woman. Some women can make the cervix disappear quickly and in others it can take days. New mothers usually take longer, since they do not tend to dilate until the cervix is completely erased. On the other hand, mothers who have already had a previous delivery, the erasure process occurs at the same time as the dilation, so everything goes much faster.
Doctors evaluate effacement of the cervix through a vaginal examination or vaginal ultrasound, to assess both the state of the cervix and the level of effacement of the cervix and the centimeters of dilation. The effacement is usually indicated as a percentage. 100% would indicate that it has been completely erased.
What are the symptoms of effacement of the cervix?
This process is not dangerous, it is necessary. The danger would be that it occurred before its time. You usually won't know it's happening until your doctor tells you to, or the strongest contractions begin. But there is some symptoms that can tell us what is happening. Let's see what the possible symptoms may be to detect it:
- Contractions. Contractions could be an indication that the process has begun, although not all contractions cause changes in the cervix. If you have regular and stable contractions, see your doctor for an examination and confirm or not that the cervix is erasing.
- Bleeding. Bleeding can also be a sign that effacement is occurring. So if you bleed, go to your medical center.
- Expulsion of the mucous plug. The mucous plug is a natural plug that allows the cervix to remain closed during pregnancy. It is a thick and viscous flow. If you detect it, go to your doctor.
- Back pain, menstrual pain, diarrhea, indigestion ...
It is important that you go to the prepartum classes or that you consult with your midwife all the doubts you have about when to go to the emergency room. This way you will be calmer and more prepared.
Because remember ... in this phase it is important that you stay calm and do the breathing exercises.