Most women only tend to care about how far they’ve dilated when they’re in labor. Because, ultimately, that’s the signal when baby can start coming out.
But there is a bit more going on with your body and baby’s placement ‘down there.’ There is cervical Dilation, and also Effacement, then even something called Station that pertains more to your baby.
What’s the difference between them all and why are they important?
Cervical Dilation and Effacement
When you’re in early and active labor, this is when your body is getting your cervix properly opened. Even the few weeks before you start experiencing labor your cervix will soften and become very pliable. Your doctor may tell you so when you start getting checked for progress at 37 weeks.
Related: Peak of Pregnancy Labor Stages To Know
You can start dilation and effacement weeks before you deliver and gradually open up. Or you may even progress completely overnight from start to finish.
- Dilation – you already know this one. This is the widening of the cervix (measured in centimeters) from completely closed to fully open at 10 cm. Once open, your urge to push and bear down starts and the baby descends through your birth canal.
- Effacement – this one is less well known. Your cervix is normally around 5 cm thick and squeezed shut through your entire pregnancy. Effacement is when your cervix thins out to a small layer (scaled by a percentage). When your doctor says your 100% effaced, that means you’re as thin as your going to get.
Image courtesy of babycenter.com
When your baby’s head presses down on your cervix, the pressure adds to the stimulus of thinning along with some hormones and other bio-molecules that help too.
Your doctor will measure and feel for both simply with his fingers. Your nurse or midwife will do this during your labor too to determine how far you’ve come. It’s a very subjective measurement though based upon the thickness of one’s fingers doing the measuring. It’s a ‘feel’ that they have to learn over time, because it’s not like they can stick a ruler up there to look.
To determine how far you’ve come … it’s a ‘feel’ that they have to learn over time, because it’s not like they can stick a ruler up there to look.
This means that you could have two people check your progress and get slightly different opinions on how wide you’ve opened up. But you will know when you’re fully open because your uterus will start to bear down all on its own.
Related: Breathing Baby Out Instead Of Pushing – 5 Easy Steps
Baby Station
When your baby starts moving downward, its head lines up against your pelvis bones at certain places. Measured from -3 to +3, it the location of how far your baby has dropped down. A station measurement of zero means baby is ready to move into your vagina and they are as far down as they can go until you’re fully dilated. When your baby’s head is crowning and just about all the way out, that is when your +3 station.
Related: Are You Seeding Your Baby’s Microbiome? It Will Affect Their Entire Future
I found this cute pic explaining where the measurements technically are. It’s easier to understand when you see it visually.
Image courtesy of studyblue.com
And that’s basically it. When you’re checked for dilation, the doctor or nurse can judge your baby’s station by feeling against the lower pelvic and tail bones that press against your vaginal wall.
It’s really not that complicated, but your may not hear anything about effacement or station while you’re in labor. Remember to squat so it helps make even MORE room for your baby. Did you know that you can increase your pelvic opening by an entire centimeter when you squat?
>> Make More Room With Your Squatty Potty Stool <<
Get yourself a Squatty Potty stool and start opening up your pelvic bones daily so that you’re as flexible as can be when the baby arrives. I still use mine and love it! How far were you dilated before you went into labor?
Recommended Resources:
- How To Relax During Childbirth: 3 Simple Ways To Ease Tension & Enhance Joy
- Getting Started Guide To Having A Natural Birth
- Moving Right Along: Fetal Station in Labor and Delivery
- Effacement, Dilation and Station | Babies Online
Thank you for making this simple!
Even after all the reading I did before having my daughter (14 months ago), I just recently heard about station and had no idea what it was! And effacement was always a little confusing to me as I was preparing for labor. This is an easy to understand explanation!
You’re welcome Marissa!
I just wanted to say thank you for the information! At my last doctors appointment a couple days ago I was told I’m 3cm 90% and baby was at a station 2. I already had a good understanding of dilation and effacement but the baby’s station was a little confusing. I also couldn’t remember if it was a positive or negative 2. After reading this post I have a much better understanding and can now assume baby is at a -2 (which I still find very positive ? ). So thank you again for providing clear and easy to understand information. It seems to be a theme throughout your site.
Hi Shawna! I’m so glad that you were able to find what you’re looking for. That’s exciting for you, you’re baby is almost here! 🙂
If you haven’t already, check out Late Pregnancy Symptoms and see where you are on that timeline. It will help you get an idea on perhaps how much longer you’ll need to wait. Cheers!
Hey Sarah
I have gone through so many post by you. And i found thus site very much different and unique. I loved it. Typically different from rest of the sites.
Thank u for giving so much unique info.
Thanks so much for your kind words, Roshin. Please let me know how I can help you further, any time.
This is a very informative post. You provide in-depth information with good use of visuals and video. This site is great for all women who want to be mothers and for those like me to increase their knowledge.
Thanks for your comment Ana. Let me know if you need help with anything at all. Best!
Another post I shall direct my stepdaughter too. Thank you – this is fascinating info.
Thanks for sharing Sabrina. You and she can subscribe so you don’t miss any posts. 🙂
I have had kids but I never knew all that! The video was amazing and really adds a lot to your page. The colours and design of the site as a whole fit with your content. I loved it.
Thanks Annie! Feel free to share.
This is really important stuff to know, thank you very much.
Your welcome, Jason.
Hey Sarah 🙂
I tweeted this post. I am so glad you are raising awareness on this subject. So many moms have no clue what all is involved. Sure they read about certain things but if you haven’t been through it you don’t really know. This can be an eye opener for so many woman. thanks for sharing. 🙂
Thanks Mary. You can read and read and read, but it’s not the same as actually experiencing it either. Thus I think the visual helps A LOT. Thanks for sharing!
Nice site a lot of great information.
Thanks Amanda.
Thanks for the education lesson. Most guys are unaware of the whole pregnancy process. We mainly try to stay out of trouble…Smile. Your post of cervical dilation and effacement will be extremely helpful for mother that want to give birth naturally or those just looking for more info. Will share with my girlfriends.
Thanks so much for sharing Tony! There is so much information out there that ladies can be overwhelmed with it all. I hope to change that.