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 ...

Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. In preparation for the birth of your baby, your cervix effaces (thins and stretches) and dilates (opens) so your baby can fit ...

What does it mean for your cervix to dilate and efface, and can you tell it's happening? We broke down what cervical dilation is, and what signs to look for. Medically reviewed by Kiarra King, M.D.

*Disclaimer: The advice on CafeMom.com is not a substitute for consultation with a medical professional or treatment for a specific condition. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat ...

There are 3 stages of labor. Active labor begins at about 5-6 cm of dilation. You need to be 10 cm dilated to deliver vaginally. After the birth, you’ll deliver the placenta. The cervix, which is the ...

In preparation for the birth of your baby, your cervix effaces (thins and stretches) and dilates (opens) so your baby can fit through the birth canal. This cervical ripening can begin days or even ...