During pregnancy, the cervix usually is firm and stiff enough to help hold the baby in the uterus. That's a good thing for most of the pregnancy. But in the final days or weeks before delivery, the cervix starts to soften and open up. Basically, it's getting ready for labor.

How do you know when cervix is softening?

Reach to the end of the vaginal canal and feel for the texture and thickness of your cervix. If what you feel is very hard and thick, you're likely not very effaced. If it feels mushy and thin, you may be making some progress.

When should your cervix start to soften?

Near the end of the third trimester, a woman's cervix will soften in order to begin the process of effacing (thinning and stretching) and dilating (opening up). An open cervix allows the baby to pass through the birth canal—but cervical ripening doesn't always happen like it should.