Near the end of the third trimester, the cervix will soften in order to begin the process of effacing (thinning and stretching) and dilating (opening up) in preparation for your baby's birth. An open ...

The cervix changes in early pregnancy and throughout the menstrual cycle. Here's how to check your cervix for pregnancy. Medically reviewed by Renita White, MD Checking your cervix can help you ...

Your cervix doesn’t open in a single, smooth motion. It softens, shortens, and dilates under the rhythm of contractions. At 9 cm, most of that work is done, but a thin lip of tissue still remains, ...