Effacement is the thinning and shortening of the cervix that occurs during pregnancy. It is one of the signs that labor is approaching. To check for effacement, a healthcare provider will insert two fingers into the vagina and feel the cervix. They will assess the thickness and length of the cervix to determine how much effacement has occurred.
Effacement is important because it allows the baby’s head to descend into the pelvis. This is necessary for vaginal delivery. Effacement typically begins in the weeks leading up to labor. It may progress slowly at first, but it will become more rapid as labor approaches. In some cases, effacement may not occur until labor has begun.
