Cervical changes you need to know about

When you hear about cervical change, what comes to mind?

Most people can quickly name dilation, or the opening of the cervix. It’s a big one!

But did you know there are three mores changes your cervix will go through? Even though they don’t get as much attention, they are vital to the birth progress.

First things first. What is the cervix?

Your cervix is the doorway to your uterus. It’s located at the base of your uterus, between your uterus and vagina.

During most of your pregnancy, it stays tightly closed. It develops a mucous plug, keeping bacteria, sperm, and germs out, and holding your baby and everything else in.

As you get closer to your due date, your doctor may do vaginal exams. One reason she does this is to check if your cervix has started softening and thinning out in preparation for birth.  

(Note: If you are uncomfortable with vaginal exams, talk to your doctor and work together to make an alternate plan. Cervical checks are not required, and your doctor should have your consent before doing one.)

What are the four types of cervical change?

Everyone’s cervix much go through these cervical changes for a vaginal birth to happen.

1.     Dilation 

Dilation is the one most people know about. Over the course of late pregnancy and labor, your cervix will go from totally shut to 10 cm dilated. Once 10 cm dilated, your cervix is open, and your body is ready for you to push. 

For most people, the first 4-6 cm of dilation take the longest (early labor). Once you reach 4-6 cm (active labor), dilation speeds up and birth moves faster.

2.     Effacement

Effacement is the thickness of your cervix. During pregnancy, your cervix is 3-4 cm long. As your cervix effaces, or thins, it will eventually be as thin as paper. It’s going to be a lot easier and faster for your cervix to dilate when it’s thin.

3.     Softening

Your cervix will go from being hard and stiff to soft and flexible. Before labor starts, your cervix will feel similar to the tip of your nose. Go ahead, give it a poke. When ripe, it softens to the where it feels more like the bottom tip of your ear. Can you feel the difference?

A soft and flexible cervix will have an easier time thinning out and opening up. Your doctor may also refer to this as “cervical ripening.”  

4.     Position

During most of your pregnancy, your cervix is facing back towards your tailbone. During labor, it will move to a more forward-facing position (fun fact, this happens during your menstrual cycles too!). When your cervix is facing forward, it’s directly under your baby’s head, ready for action.

What order does cervical change usually happen in?

There is no set order for cervical change to happen in.

Too often we only focus on dilation when judging progress. Each body and birth is different, and so your labor will not look the same as your friends. The most important thing is to measure YOUR progress from hour to hour and day to day.

Is there change in one or more areas? Celebrate that progress! You’re on your way, baby.

Why is it important to know about the four types of cervical change?

During late pregnancy and in labor, knowing about the four types of cervical change give indications about how labor is progressing. Dilation is NOT the only sign of progress. You’ll feel encouraged as you note all the ways your cervix is preparing to birth your baby.

For example: You’ve been in labor for 6 hours, and you’ve dilated to 2 cm. When the doctor checks your cervix two hours later, you may still be at 2 cm. You may feel discouraged, and feel like there hasn’t been any progress, or all of these contractions you’ve been having were for nothing.

THEN you ask your doctor what other changes there have been to your cervix. She may tell you that your cervix has changed position, becoming softer, and is thinner. All of these contractions you’ve been having are working! You are making progress, and you’re getting closer to meeting your baby.

Want to learn more? Join one of our online childbirth education workshops and get prepared to meet your baby! Our classes are tailored to you and what you can expect from your birth in China.

Let’s talk! Add Holly on WeChat: DoulasofShanghai