Are cervical checks needed before labor?

Before we can say if cervical check is needed before labor, lets ask ourselves “What is a cervical exam and what is the purpose of a cervical exam or check?” A cervical check is when your medical provider (OBGYN, Midwife or OB nurse) examines your cervix for dilation (how open is the cervix), effacement (how soft is your cervix) and baby’s station (how high in your pelvis is baby). In labor the reason for these cervical exams is to determine if these 3 things are progressing. Once your cervix is 10cm dilated, 100% effaced and at a station of at least 0, it is time to birth your baby. There is one thing you need to have your cervix move from 0cm dilated, 0% effaced and a station of -3: and that is contractions. Without the presence of contractions, we would not expect your cervix and baby to make much change without them. ​

A cervical check maybe offered to you as early as 36 or 37 weeks gestation. Your provider may already be near your cervix doing a common protocol of a GBS test and offer to see “if anything is happening with your cervix”.
It is important to note that cervical checks during pregnancy are not always necessary or recommended. In fact, routine cervical checks can lead to unnecessary interventions and anxiety for the parent. Some of these risks include:

• Increased rick of infection
• Increased risk of premature rupture of membranes (your waters)
• Mental stress on parent of not making change every week
• Can be extremely uncomfortable
• Bleeding from spotting to heavier ​

In my work as a birth doula in the Hudson Valley area, I've noticed that cervical dilation checks before due dates are becoming less common. However, there are still some instances where these practices persist. Some reasons you may have a cervical check before labor can include:

• Unknown source of vaginal bleeding
• Cramps or contractions before your due date range
• Decreased fetal movement
• Medical reasons and your provider believes a cervical check will help get answers
• To check the status of your cervix and baby to decide on the best course of medical induction of labor

It is important to have an open and honest conversation with your healthcare provider about the benefits and risks of cervical checks during pregnancy. It is also important to remember that every person and every pregnancy is different, so what may be necessary for one person may not be necessary for another.
The decision to have a cervical check should be made based on individual circumstances and in consultation with a trusted healthcare provider, but is ultimately up to you to decide what happens to your body. ​

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In my "Building a Toolbox for Comfort: Essential Skills for Labor" we will discuss the role of your cervix and how to know you are making change without an exam. Check it out now to register! 
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Not in the Hudson Valley area and looking to chat with a certified doula on all things birth, labor and baby related?  You can set up an ask me anything call. Register here.