The cervix needs to not only open (dilate) but also soften, for the baby to come out. The softening is called effacement.

"dilation and effacement work together to open the cervix to allow the baby to drop into the vagina. During pregnancy the cervix lengthens and thickens to protect the baby. During labor, the cervix softens and shortens to allow the baby to pass through. Effacement refers to the thickness or thinness of your cervix. Effacement is measured by percentage, with 0% being a thick and hard cervix and 100% being a very soft thin cervix that is "gone."

from here: http://www.Birthingnaturally.Net/birth/pro gress/exam.html

stations...


"station refers to how high the baby's head, or other presenting part, is in the pelvis. This information is important because practitioners need to get a sense of how far the baby has descended into the birth canal. Station is determined by feeling where the baby rests in relation to the ischial spines, the parts of the pelvic girdle that protrude slightly in toward the birth canal and can be felt inside the vagina by an experienced examiner.


Station is measured from minus 5 to plus 5. Minus 5 station means the baby is floating above the pelvis. Zero station means the baby has dropped or engaged well into the pelvis and that his head rests right at the level of the ischial spines. And plus 5 means the baby's head not only has come down past the ischial spines, but also is visible at the opening of the vagina (also known as crowning). While the principle is still the same, some practitioners use a scale of minus 3 to plus 3 instead of 5."

Wow,thats pretty interesting.I didn't know there were stations! You learn something new everyday!

Well yesterday, I learned that when a guy jacks off with his right hand he uses the left side of his brain :lol:

and there are no bones in the penis... But thats old news.

Well I learn kittens and puppies lose teeth just like humans

Wel I learnt.. Uh.. My cat can be snuggly if nobody is watching.. Lol

i had no idea about that until one day I woke up in bed and something was poking me and I freaked out when I realized it was her tooth.My mom was like "melissa chill out she's fine,it;s normal!" lol I also didn't know that bitches got ther period(ive never seen it happen) and when my dog started bleeding everywhere I though I was doing something wrong,lol

Lol yea my friends dog was bleeding and I was like ah! Whats happening!

Lol,i went to wal-mart to get some doggie meds and I tried to put it on her so she would stop but it just kept coming,and she was all swollen.My friend was like "she's on her period" so I called the vet and she confirmed it

Lmao mel u are such a re-re