PREGNANCY-BIRTH Messages for October, 2000: Re: Effacement

Re: Effacement

From: anonymous@obgyn.net
Tue, 31 Oct 2000 13:59:05 -0600 (CST)

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At Tue, 31 Oct 2000, Ann wrote: >
>When I went to the MD yesterday for my 38th week visit, she told me I
>was 80% effaced and that my cervix had turned around? What does this
>mean from a timing of baby arrival standpoint? It is my understanding
>that when I am 100% effaced then I will be pushing? Does this mean I am
>close? I am only fingertip dilated according to her and that was the
>same as my last visit. I am a bit panicked to get to far from home
>alone should this just come on all the sudden. Perhaps I am just overly
>expectant and I will be waiting and waiting....I know there is no
>accurate 100% predictor but I am sure confused and curious. Any help
>would be appreciated.

First thing is to relax if you can. This sounds as if it is your first baby, so you are likely to be in labor for several hours before it will be time for delivery. Effacement is the thickness of the cervix, and dilation is the more important component. You could efface entirely, 100%, yet still be minimally dilated, and have 20 hours of labor ahead of you. As the head comes down, the cervix rotates from pointing towards the back of your pelvis to being more in line with the axis of your vagina. This means the head is coming down a bit. So, it sounds as if you are preparing for labor, and you have done some of the preliminary work, but you still have a long way to go. In the end, you are going to have to have regular, hard, painful contractions for quite some time to deliver your baby.

-- William D. McIntosh, MD, FACOG

This is for educational purposes only, and is not a substitute for consultation with, and examination by, a qualified medical professional.

Due to time and energy constraints, I will be unable to answer any personal e-mails. Thank you for your consideration in this matter.

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