What does effacement refer to during labor?

Effacement refers specifically to the process in which the cervix thins and shortens in preparation for labor and delivery. As labor progresses, the cervix undergoes changes to facilitate the passage of the baby through the birth canal. This process is crucial because a fully effaced cervix is more pliable and can more easily dilate.

In the context of labor, effacement is measured in percentages, with 0% indicating that the cervix is thick and long, and 100% indicating that it has completely thinned out. This distinction is important for healthcare professionals to assess how the labor process is progressing. While cervical dilation involves the opening of the cervix, effacement specifically addresses the cervical tissue's change in thickness and length.