Near the end of pregnancy, the cervix softens to help prepare for labor. If your cervix isn't softening naturally, there are safe ways to encourage it at home. Always consult with your healthcare ...

Cervical dilation means the cervix opens up to allow the baby to move from the uterus into the birth canal. Signs that your cervix is dilating include losing your mucus plug, a bloody show, and ...

Dilation and effacement are your body's way of getting ready for labor – your cervix gradually opens (dilates) and thins out (effaces) to help your baby make that grand entrance. This process can ...

The cervical os is the small opening at each end of the cervix. During ovulation, the cervical os opens to let sperm enter the uterus. Cervical stenosis is when the cervical os becomes too narrow or ...

A mucus plug protects the cervix from bacteria during pregnancy. Losing a mucus plug can indicate the start of labor. Contact your doctor if you lose your mucus plug before 37 weeks. A mucus plug is a ...