What does 2cm dilated and 70% effaced mean?

What does 2cm dilated and 70% effaced mean?

Your Baby Has Dropped “You will often hear providers during a cervical exam say something like, ‘She’s 2/70/-3. ‘ This means, the cervix is 2 cm dilated, 70% effaced, and -3 is the station the baby’s head is in relation to the woman’s pelvis,” explains Fayling.

Does being effaced mean labor is near?

Effacement means that the cervix stretches and gets thinner. Dilatation means that the cervix opens. As labor nears, the cervix may start to thin or stretch (efface) and open (dilate). This prepares the cervix for the baby to pass through the birth canal (vagina).

How long can you stay 70 percent effaced?

Effacement is measured in percentages. Once you hit 100 percent effaced, your cervix has thinned out enough for childbirth. So, if your obstetrician tells you you’re “70 effaced” or “70 percent effaced,” it means you’re about three-quarters of the way to being ready for delivery.

What does 2 centimeters dilated mean?

Experts calculate dilation by considering how many fingers widths can fit into the cervical opening at different times during pregnancy. If you can put one of your finger into the cervix, it’s 1 cm dilated. When two fingers fit, it means your cervix is 2 cm dilated.

How many centimeters dilated for birth?

Your cervix must dilate from zero to 10 centimeters before your baby can be born. Initially, you won’t be able to feel your cervix dilating, but your doctor or midwife can tell you if the process has begun.

What is effacement and dilation?

What is effacement and dilation of the cervix during labor? During labor, your cervix gets shorter and thins out in order to stretch and open around your baby’s head. This shortening and thinning of the cervix is called effacement. The stretching and opening of your cervix is called dilation. SOURCE: American Pregnancy Association.

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