Dilation and effacement are terms that doctors and other birth professionals use to describe the changes in the cervix that are required for vaginal birth. Even if you've heard these terms, you may ...

The cervix changes in early pregnancy and throughout the menstrual cycle. Here's how to check your cervix for pregnancy.

The cervix dilates (opens) during the first stage of labor to prepare for the baby's birth. Cervical dilation is measured from 1 to 10 centimeters. You are ready to push and deliver when the cervix ...

Near the end of the third trimester, the cervix will soften in order to begin the process of effacing (thinning and stretching) and dilating (opening up) in preparation for your baby's birth. An open ...

Near the end of the third trimester, a woman's cervix will soften in order to begin the process of effacing (thinning and stretching) and dilating (opening up). An open cervix allows the baby to pass ...

Patients with cervical insufficiency typically present with a history of 1 or more lost pregnancies characterized by early cervical dilation. Cervical insufficiency (CI), also known as incompetent ...

One in 5 women has a cervix and uterus (womb) that tilt back toward the spine instead of sitting upright or leaning slightly forward in the lower abdomen. Doctors call this a “tilted uterus” or ...