1 Fiber lowers bad LDL cholesterol and promotes heart health. 2  Fiber helps keep you feeling full and satisfied and more in control of your appetite and weight. 3  Fiber keeps your digestive system healthy and regular, helping you to avoid constipation and the risk of diverticulitis.
Cervical effacement (also called cervical ripening) refers to a thinning of the cervix. It is a component of the Bishop score. It can be expressed as a percentage. Prior to effacement, the cervix is like a long bottleneck, usually about four centimeters in length. Throughout pregnancy, the cervix is tightly closed and protected by a plug of mucus. When the cervix effaces, the mucus plug is loosened and passes out of the vagina.
What You Need to Know About Your Cervix. The cervix is the lower portion of the uterus. It widens during childbirth to allow for the passage of the baby. It also allows the passage of menstrual fluid from the uterus, and sperm needs to travel through the cervix in order to reach the uterus. Despite the variety of objects passing through the cervix, it is only approximately two inches long, and is tubular in shape. The cervix is vulnerable to several health conditions, such as chronic inflammation, polyps, dysplasia, and cancer.