What does the effacement of the cervix refer to?

Effacement of the cervix refers to the process in which the cervix becomes shorter and thinner as labor approaches. During this stage, the cervix, which is normally cylindrical and firm, transforms in preparation for childbirth. This process is crucial because as the cervix effaces, it allows for the transition of the baby from the uterus into the birth canal, facilitating delivery.

In labor, effacement is measured in percentages, with 0% indicating that the cervix is still long and thick, and 100% signifying that the cervix has fully thinned out and shortens to the point that it becomes indistinguishable, allowing for dilation to occur. Understanding effacement is important for midwives and birth professionals as it is a key indicator of the progress of labor.