Is the thinning of the cervical tissue as the body prepares for delivery.

Also the thinning causes a shortening of the tissue and the infant drops closer to the cervix

Often seen in the early portion of labour or childbirth

Prior to this transition, the cervix is in appearance similar to a bottleneck and is quite long.

The length is 4 cm

Following Effacement is cervical dilation

Allows for progression of a vaginal birth

Mucus Plug

As pregnancy continues or progresses, the cervix becomes tighter and a mucus plug is in place.

The mucus plug protects the environment of the uterus

During effacement – the cervical tissue becomes thinner and the mucus plug is loosened

It often continues until the mucus plug is passed out of the vaginal passage.

When this occurs it is called “bloody show”

Percentages

When effacement occurs – classification is done in percentage

Occurs for 0 – 100% effacement

When at 100% – the cervix is paper thin