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 ...

During labor, the cervix changes from a tightly closed entrance to a fully open exit for the baby. This is known as dilation. Looking at a cervix dilation chart can help people to understand what’s ...

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 ...

Near the end of the third trimester, the cervix will soften in order to begin the process of effacing (thinning and stretching) and dilating (opening up) in preparation for your baby's birth. An open ...

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 ...

Your body undergoes a tremendous amount of changes during pregnancy. While many of these transformations are easy to see (hello, growing belly!), others aren’t. The position of your cervix is one of ...

Think of your cervix as the gatekeeper to your uterus. Lots of things—like tampons, fingers, penises, sex toys, and other germ-carrying items—can get to your cervix, but they aren't getting past it.