When you’re pregnant, you may learn about body parts youve never heard of before.
An important player in all this prep work is the cervical os.
Heres what this special region inside the cervix does during pregnancy and delivery, and after childbirth.
What is the cervical os?
The cervical os (pronounced like ox but with an s) is part of a woman’s cervix.
First things first: The cervix is the narrow, lower end of the uterus.
It also contains themucus plug a barrier that protects your baby until hes ready for the outside world.
In fact, losing your mucus plug can mean that your body is getting ready for childbirth.
While some women lose their mucus plug weeks before labor begins, others lose it right as labor starts.
The internal and external cervical os will also move closer together.
At the same time, the external os starts to open, or dilate.
Throughout labor, your doctor will periodically check your cervix to see how much it’s dilated and effaced.
Its just another sign as to how youre progressing.
If its medically necessary, your doctor can use medication tospeed labor along.
Thelabor drug Cervidil, for example, can help the cervix dilate and efface if it needs a boost.
The state of your cervix signals when it’s time topush.
Its officially time for your baby to leave the womb and finally meet you!
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