Usually around 36 weeks (sometimes sooner) your provider may offer a cervical exam during your prenatal appointments.
What happens during a cervical exam?
Your provider will insert their hand into your vagina to reach the cervix with their fingertips. Most providers have had a lot of training and know the positions of their fingers in relation to cervical dilation, so they will use their fingers as their guide to measure your cervical dilation, or opening. You will feel a lot of pressure and mild to moderate discomfort. They may also feel for effacement, which is the thinning of your cervix.
What’s the purpose of these exams?
To check for dilation and softening of the cervix.
Should I get them?
That is dependent on you and your needs. If you are a super anxious person and that check will make you feel more comfortable and safe, then go for it. If you don’t feel the need, then don’t.
Why do you recommend against them?
For a few reasons:
They can be painful (they are reaching inside of you to feel your cervix, it won’t feel great).
They can cause light spotting, cramping, and possibly some false labor symptoms.
Although unlikely, it’s possible that your provider could break your waters during the check.
If you are nearing the end of your labor, your provider may offer a cervical check and manually try to “stretch open” your cervix while checking.
Does cervical dilation give an indication for when labor will start?
NO! A cervical check does not give any indication that you will be or will not be in labor soon. You may get checked and be at 2 or 3cm, and still not go into labor for another two weeks. You could also get checked and be at 1cm and go into labor that evening. Cervical checks can raise a lot of false hope or disappointment due to feeling like your labor is solely dependent on your cervix.
If you do choose to get a cervical check, speak with your provider beforehand to make sure you understand what is happening, and what you may experience after. You should know what is happening every step of the way, and consent to every part.
Yours,
Ally the Doula
Photography by Miller Rose Photo
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