Cervical effacement

Cervical effacement

Picture of cervical effacement

As labor nears, the fetus's head drops down into the pelvis and pushes against the cervix. The cervix begins to thin (efface) and open (dilate), sometimes over a few weeks.

Primary Medical Reviewer Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Kirtly Jones, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology
Last Updated December 5, 2007




    Last Updated: December 5, 2007
Medical Review: Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine
Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Kirtly Jones, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology


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