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.
As the cervix effaces and thins out, it also begins to stretch and open. This is called dilation. This widening and opening makes it easier for the babyâs head and the rest of its body to pass through from the uterus into the vaginal canal for delivery. The degree of dilation is measured in centimeters.