Cervical thinning usually occurs in the last month of your pregnancy, as your cervix stretches. Your doctor can tell you how far effaced (thinned) your cervix is, in percentages. This lets you know how stretched your cervix has become, and how close you are to delivery. When you're ready to deliver, your cervix will be 100% effaced.
As you approach your due date, the body is preparing itself for labor. Pregnancy hormones soften your cervix and the contractions dilate and thin it. A thinner cervix allows the cervix to dilate more easily for birth. When the cervix is fully opened up, it forms one continuous channel with the uterus, through which the baby passes.
| Explore More In Our Hep C Learning Center |
 What Is Hepatitis C? Learn about this treatable virus. |
 Diagnosing Hepatitis C Getting tested for this viral infection. |
 Just Diagnosed? Here’s What’s Next 3 key steps to getting on treatment. |
 Understanding Hepatitis C Treatment 4 steps to getting on therapy. |
 Your Guide to Hep C Treatments What you need to know about Hep C drugs. |
 Managing Side Effects of Treatment How the drugs might affect you. |
 Making Hep C Treatment a Success These tips may up your chances of a cure. |
