100% effaced--what does this really mean?

[Anonymous]

I did my own research and read a ton of books on pregnancy, but in big city areas the childbirth classes start at $400. That is a big expense.

[Anonymous]

i took childbirth classes and read a ton of books and had a doula and still ended up getting internal exams at the end of my first pregnancy and wondering what if anything they meant. i don't think it's helpful to disparage the OP for her lack of knowledge when instead we should be glad that she is asking questions and be helpful in our replies.

this is one of my favorite musings on this subject: "the pre labor cervix is not a magic 8 ball". enjoy
http://birthingbeautifulideas.com/?p=1875

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This question is exactly why all women should be required to take a childbirth class. Not trying to be mean, but that's exactly the type of info you learn in there. I can't imagine going through this with all the crazy new terms and NOT knowing what it means.

I agree. It's a shock that someone can get to 37 weeks and not have taken a class or asked her OB for more detail or read a reputable book on the topic. This is a basic.

Yes, but sometimes there is so much information to take in that you just don't remember everything. Or, you want to hear from "live people" who have experienced it rather than read in a book. I've done several classes and read a number of books, but I was still researching "100% effacement". I spoke to my doctor about it, but wanted to hear others' experiences.

[Anonymous]

it was explained to me like this...
during pregnancy your cervix is like a beer bottle. Long neck and small/no opening.

Then it shortens (effaced) and opens (dilation) to be a pickle jar when baby comes out.

[Anonymous]

People need to.stop being rude! Some girls can't afford child birthing classes! I'm 36 1/2 weeks pregnant and I'm 2cm dilated and fully affaced.. doesn't mean much at all. Every woman is different, some can go weeks like this n others can only go a few days but it all depends on your body.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This question is exactly why all women should be required to take a childbirth class. Not trying to be mean, but that's exactly the type of info you learn in there. I can't imagine going through this with all the crazy new terms and NOT knowing what it means.

I agree. It's a shock that someone can get to 37 weeks and not have taken a class or asked her OB for more detail or read a reputable book on the topic. This is a basic.

Actually what's basic is the fact that you misunderstand OP's question. She didn't ask for the definition of effacement. She was clearly looking for feedback on her particular situation. We all know that the textbook stuff they tell you in childbirth class does not always match up to personal experience. Also if you are an information junkie (as I am) I'm sure you know that there is a shocking amount of variation in the information you get from even "reputable" sources about pregnancy and childbirth. So back off the OP -- it sounds like you have quite a bit to learn yourself.

[Anonymous]

With my first, I opted for an "ignorance is bliss" route and refrained from talking to ppl who only shared their horror stories or learning much bc too much info can be intimidating/scary.

I had a wonderful short natural birth that wasn't a horror story like most that you hear. So those who are obsessed with "learning all the facts" need to get off your high horse. Doesn't work for everyone.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Ok I'm 2cm dialated and 60% effaced. I'm trying to get my Dc. to induce me becuase I have really small hips, and I'm in so much pain I can't walk somtimes or go up or down stares. I have trouble just getting out of bed or sitting for too long. And I'm afraind that if he gets too big then I wont be able to go through a vaginal birth. I really don't want a c-section...Is this good enough reason for my Dc. to say yes? I'm 38wks and 2dys. My due date is Sept. 18th.

most doctors will not induce before 39 weeks unless there is medical necessity.

[Anonymous]

I have heard that the more effaced you are the faster you will dilate when it eventually happens. I was 100% effaced and a finger tip dilated at my 36 week appointment. I went into labor at 39 weeks and had a very easy labor, but who knows if any of that is connected. Probably not.

[Anonymous]

11:40 I am with you! All the educate yourself, refrain from cervical checks annoys the crap out of me. Went for ignorance is bliss with #1. Natural birth, 40 minutes start to finish, 3 pushes. Second one I opted for induction to avoid delivering in the car. 3 hrs start to finish, 2 pushes could have done it in one but dr wasn't prepared. Pregnant with 3rd, still no books read and no classes taken. I have the money and feel no need to spend it on this stuff

[Anonymous]

It's when you come back to your car and find a huge dent in the door. You mumble to yourself " What the F...?" and you catch your reflection in the window. THAT'S your effaced!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This question is exactly why all women should be required to take a childbirth class. Not trying to be mean, but that's exactly the type of info you learn in there. I can't imagine going through this with all the crazy new terms and NOT knowing what it means.

I agree. It's a shock that someone can get to 37 weeks and not have taken a class or asked her OB for more detail or read a reputable book on the topic. This is a basic. [/quot

There is no reason to be a bully! A fellow mother asks a question and you find the need to berate her knowledge on the subject. You are the reason that I dont like hanging out in mom groups. You would rather judge your fellow mother other than applaud her efforts to find snow answer.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This question is exactly why all women should be required to take a childbirth class. Not trying to be mean, but that's exactly the type of info you learn in there. I can't imagine going through this with all the crazy new terms and NOT knowing what it means.

I agree. It's a shock that someone can get to 37 weeks and not have taken a class or asked her OB for more detail or read a reputable book on the topic. This is a basic. [/quot

There is no reason to be a bully! A fellow mother asks a question and you find the need to berate her knowledge on the subject. You are the reason that I dont like hanging out in mom groups. You would rather judge your fellow mother rather than applaud her efforts to find an answer.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:With my first, I opted for an "ignorance is bliss" route and refrained from talking to ppl who only shared their horror stories or learning much bc too much info can be intimidating/scary.

I had a wonderful short natural birth that wasn't a horror story like most that you hear. So those who are obsessed with "learning all the facts" need to get off your high horse. Doesn't work for everyone.

I'm glad it worked out for you. Since we can't all be sure in advance that our labors will be quick with no need for informed decision making, it's hard to take your one experience as a good reason to skip basic education about labor.

Good for OP for asking about the implications of being fully effaced. She probably will have a faster labor, a fact that is useful for her to know now.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It means you are at risk for a uterine or other type of infection because you have introduced a foreign object into your vag.

But other than that it doesn't mean anything.

Let's cool down on this vaginal checks that lead to panic, unless numbers, and excuses to give you a c-section.

You could not be more wrong lmao