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dumb cervix question...

GiGi1221GiGi1221
in High-Risk Pregnancy

Ok so I thought I knew but I don't think I do...Explain effacing, length and dilating.

I thought length and effacing were the same thing- and dialating was opening...

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Re: dumb cervix question...

  • miaomimiaomi

    I think...

    effacing is softening and thinning and dialating is opening...

    But, I might be wrong.  All I know is I have a cervix and it hurts. 

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  • RedheadJennyRedheadJenny

    I was really confused by this too. So, from what I understand effacement is the shorting AND thinning of the cervix. So when the cervix is 100% effaced it is completely thinned out and ready for labor. Dilating is the stretching and opening of the cervix. 

    That's how the dr explained it to me... hope that helps. 

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  • GiGi1221GiGi1221
    So do you efface completely and then begin dialating?
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  • srh08.05.06srh08.05.06 member
    I'm not positive on the answer but I went into pre-term labor on Monday night.  I was having contractions and my cervix shortened to about 1.5cm and dilated to 3cm.  So I definitely believe you can dilate before you're completely effaced.  I'm now on hospital bed rest :(
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  • Lambie.Lambie. member

    You can start dilating before you are completely effaced.  The beginning of this video has a good animation.  Watch as the cervix gets shorter/thinner (effacement) and how it opens (dilaiton).

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TkQF0OylOUc

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