What is the Difference Between Dilated and Effaced?

The difference between dilated and effaced lies in the changes that occur in the cervix during pregnancy and childbirth.

• Effacement: This refers to the thinning and softening of the cervix. It is described as a percentage, with 0% effaced meaning the cervix is not effaced at all, and 100% effaced indicating the cervix has completely thinned out.
• Dilation: This is the opening of the cervix, measured in centimeters from 0 to 10. At 0, the cervix is closed, and at 10, it is completely dilated. The cervix must be completely dilated (10 cm) for the baby to pass through the birth canal during a vaginal delivery.

During pregnancy, the cervix is closed and protected by a plug of mucus. As the cervix effaces and dilates, the mucus plug comes loose and passes out of the vagina, sometimes tinged with blood. This process allows the baby to be born through the birth canal.

Comparative Table: Dilated vs Effaced

Dilation and effacement are two important processes that occur during labor and delivery. Here is a table summarizing the differences between them:

Dilation is the process of the cervix opening up to let the baby's head pass through, measured in centimeters (cm). On the other hand, effacement is the thinning of the cervix, measured in percentages (%). These processes work together during labor, and both need to be complete for the baby to be delivered vaginally.