What does effaced mean with regards to antenatal care?

Effacement refers to the thinning and shortening of the cervix that occurs as the body prepares for labor. It is measured in percentages, with 100% effacement indicating that the cervix is completely thin and shortened.

Effacement is one of the signs that labor is approaching, and it is often accompanied by other signs such as increased uterine contractions, dilation of the cervix, and the release of the mucus plug. However, effacement can also occur without labor being imminent, and it is not always a reliable predictor of when labor will start.

If you are experiencing effacement, it is important to talk to your doctor or midwife to discuss what it means for your individual situation.