Question about effacement

ebulger

Hello all! I am going to be having my first baby and am 36 weeks. I went to the dr today and got checked for the first time. I'm not dilated but he said I am 80% effaced. I understand he is talking about my cervix but since I'm not dilated is this not really anything to get excited about? I know it's progress but does it really mean much at this point? Thanks in advance