You perform a vaginal exam to check for shortening and thinning of the cervix. This is called _______________

• A. Dilation
• B. Descent
• C. Effacement
• D. Station

Answer: (C)

Effacement is the process of the cervix thinning and shortening in preparation for birth, and it is assessed during a vaginal exam. The description “shortening and thinning of the cervix” directly defines effacement, which is how ready the cervix is to dilate and allow passage of the baby. Dilation, by contrast, refers to how open the cervix becomes, measured in centimeters. Descent and station relate to how far the baby has moved down the birth canal and where the presenting part lies relative to the ischial spines. So the exam described matches effacement, making it the best answer.