I read that softening of the cervix occurs during pregnancy. During pregnancy the cervix is long, thick, firm, and closed. This is necessary to support the growing uterus and baby. For your first pregnancy, during the last month, the cervix begins to soften and then thin out. This is your body's way of preparing for your first labor.
Hormones start the softening of the cervix.
In subsequent pregnancies, because the cervix has already dilated once before, effacement and dilatation usually occur simultaneously when labor begins. Jerri Colonero RN Click here to Ask Jerri your questions . She has drawn on her years of experience to answer frequently asked questions, to prepare you for your labor and delivery as best she can, and to be your resource after you have left the hospital. Tell us what you think of the information on this page. All information on this site is for informational purposes only.