The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) is an agency of the U.S. Department of Labor that has been in operation since 1884. According to its official website, the vision of the BLS is to meet the information needs of a rapidly changing U.S, and global economy by continuously improving its products and services, investing in its work force, and modernizing its business processes.
Note: Scar tissue may interfere with normal intrapartal cervical dilation and effacement. Vaginal bleeding other than slight spotting may be sign of cervical dilatation. Leaking membranes may herald impending delivery and place client at greater risk for infection.
The cervix is rigid and closed before pregnancy, but it softens and elongates during pregnancy. However, during labor, the cervix shortens and dilates to allow the passage of your baby. Cervical shortening before 37 weeks of pregnancy increases your risk of giving birth to a premature baby. A baby is usually born about 38 weeks after conception. Although the cervix gradually softens and effaces (decreases in length) as the baby grows bigger in the uterus, it does not open or dilate until you are ready to give birth. If your cervix is short before the 37th week, you may go into preterm labor.