Understanding Cervical Effacement During Labor: What Does 50% Mean?

Question
i was wondering what does it mean when they say you are 50% defaced?


Answer
Sarah,
The term is actually called effacing. Your cerivx, which is the opening to your uterus, starts off being long and thick,(think of like you lips puckered). Then with contractions and just plain gravity from the weight of the baby, your cervic starts to thin out or efface. We grade it by a percentage, starting with "thick" and proceed until it is called 100% effaced. Hope this helps!!