is effacement better than dilation?

luckyabby09

I have been googling this! but I wanted others opinions.

Being effaced seems to be the one that is more important, than dilation.

I'm 50% effaced and 2 cm as of last friday. I have given up hope that I will be having this baby anytime soon.

But does any one have any info on effacement meaning more than dilation? 

MAprincess

For some reason I thought it was the other way around, but I am not sure.  I am 50% and 0 dilated.  The day before I went into labor with DS, I was 80% and 0 dilated.  So, I guess I have no answer to your question:-)

KB0426

Who really knows.  I have been 2cm's and 90% effaced for 2 weeks and I am now being induced on Saturday.  So for me neither mattered.

Smileygirl75

I'm not sure that one is "better" than the other... you need both to happen.

micd07

I would like to know too! My OB just said I was fingertip dialated but my cervix was extremely soft. (I did not get any numbers) Inquiring minds would like to know

Jenn.J.

But I thought you were certain you were having your baby like, 3 weeks ago??

Effacement leads to dilation, so I guess it's better. Obviously you need both, but you can't dilate withot effacement. That's why things like semen and EPO are good because they are said to soften your cervix, which leads to effacement, which leads to dilation.

jinnymb

It was explained to me like this:

In first times pregnancies you need to be 100% effaced in order to be fully dialated. Effacing is the thining of your cervix then it spreads open as in dialation.

In the rest of your pregnancies it can happen at the same time, if that makes sense.

addison_clark

Well to deliver you need both: 100% effaced and 10cm dilated.  One isnt better than the other, its just a way to measure your progress.  But you could be 80% effaced and 4 cm dilated for weeks, doesnt really mean anything, just that your body is doing what it is supposed to (at its own rate!)

luckyabby09

Jenn.J.:

But I thought you were certain you were having your baby like, 3 weeks ago??

Effacement leads to dilation, so I guess it's better. Obviously you need both, but you can't dilate withot effacement. That's why things like semen and EPO are good because they are said to soften your cervix, which leads to effacement, which leads to dilation.

I was certain, because I was having contrax 4 minutes apart in the hospital. They just weren't strong enough to do anything. 

tnpjuly04

Ok, so effacement has to do with the thinning of your cervix and dialation has to do with the expansion of its circumference. (I know, horrible definitions).  Your cervix has to do BOTH in order for the baby to come out.  The two really go hand in hand (although you tend to become fully effaced before you are fully dialated), because as your cervix "stretches" (thins) it opens up. 

Get it? 

Your body is getting ready for labor.  The baby has to come out!!!

jkfranklin

Jenn.J.:

But I thought you were certain you were having your baby like, 3 weeks ago??

Effacement leads to dilation, so I guess it's better. Obviously you need both, but you can't dilate withot effacement. That's why things like semen and EPO are good because they are said to soften your cervix, which leads to effacement, which leads to dilation.

EPO?

mcgee

EPO = evening primrose oil. It will help soften the cervix, but if it's already soft, it won't do anything for you.

This is my second pregnancy, I was 1cm dilated and soft but not effaced at 32 weeks. I'm now 37 weeks, 3 cm dilated and 70% effaced. And still not in labor.

realisticdreams

jkfranklin:

Jenn.J.:

But I thought you were certain you were having your baby like, 3 weeks ago??

Effacement leads to dilation, so I guess it's better. Obviously you need both, but you can't dilate withot effacement. That's why things like semen and EPO are good because they are said to soften your cervix, which leads to effacement, which leads to dilation.

EPO?

evening primrose oil.  you can take it orally and/or insert them vaginally.