[economist99]

OK so I've already had a baby and I think i only just worked out the cervix not only effaces, but also comes down during a vaginal birth - is this right?

At my prenatal classes before DD#1 I asked if the baby can get stuck somewhere in the vagina. I though the baby has to get through the cervix first, then the vagina, like 2 doors. And also I know sometimes you get stitches in the cervix and the vagina - ie, those 2 doors can get torn.

My GP friend says when he's seen births, the cervix is right there, then after baby exits it sucks right back up. The whole thing is really confusing. So the uterus, and the cervix, connect up with the vagina opening?? Anyone want to help me with my anatomical misunderstandings?!

[soontobegran]

The cervix is 'taken up', effacing means it has lost it's length and then it opens so when you birth there is effectively no visible cervix.
I am glad your GP doesn't do obstetrics.


There is a good illustation in this that might help explain it better.
http://www.webmd.com/baby/cervical-effacement





This post has been edited by soontobegran: 29/01/2013, 10:31 AM

[w-emma]

That's a really helpful visual, thank you!

[Le-a]

Great question OP! I've never thought about this before.

I am constantly amazed by the process the body goes through to grow and birth and feed babies - fascinating!

[elle-M]

I am glad your GP doesn't do obstetrics.

My thoughts exactly!

[AvadaKedavra]

I am glad your GP doesn't do obstetrics.

That's a bit unfair STBG as surely you have no idea if the GP is misinformed or the OP just misunderstood what was said. As a health care professional, you and I surely know how bad 'lay' people often are at re-conveying medical facts (even if they sort of understand it themselves).