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Cervical effacement and dilation
Effacement (thinning)
As labor nears, the fetus's head drops down into the pelvis and pushes against the cervix. The cervix begins to thin (efface), sometimes over a few weeks.
Dilation (opening)
At the same time, the cervix also begins to open (dilate).
Current as of: July 15, 2025
Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff
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