A cervical check is a physical examination performed by a healthcare provider to assess changes in a pregnant individual’s cervix. This procedure involves the gentle insertion of gloved fingers into the vagina to evaluate the cervical opening and thinning. Many expectant parents wonder if this routine medical assessment could trigger labor. Understanding natural cervical changes and the purpose of these assessments clarifies this common concern.
What Happens to the Cervix Before Labor
As pregnancy approaches its due date, the cervix undergoes natural transformations in preparation for childbirth. One significant change is effacement, where the cervix thins and shortens, becoming less rigid and more pliable. This process is often compared to a turtleneck sweater neck stretching and flattening.
The cervix also begins to dilate, gradually opening. This opening is measured in centimeters, from closed to 10 centimeters for full dilation. These natural processes of effacement and dilation are driven by hormonal shifts and often accompanied by mild, infrequent uterine contractions, known as Braxton Hicks contractions. These changes can occur over several weeks or days leading up to the spontaneous onset of true labor.
Medical Cervical Checks and Labor Induction
Routine medical cervical checks, performed by a doctor or midwife, serve as diagnostic tools to monitor natural cervical changes during late pregnancy. These examinations do not initiate labor in individuals not already nearing spontaneous labor. The gentle touch involved in assessing effacement, dilation, and the baby’s position is insufficient to trigger the physiological events that lead to established labor contractions.
However, a distinct procedure known as membrane sweeping or stripping can be performed during a cervical check with the goal of encouraging labor. This intentional intervention involves the healthcare provider inserting a gloved finger past the cervical opening and gently detaching the amniotic sac from the lower uterine segment. This mechanical separation is believed to stimulate the local release of prostaglandins. These prostaglandins play a significant role in softening the cervix and promoting uterine contractions.
Membrane sweeping is considered a form of mechanical induction and is offered to individuals at or past their due date, aiming to reduce the need for more intensive medical induction methods. While it can increase the likelihood of labor commencing within 24 to 48 hours, it is not always effective. This procedure is a deliberate medical intervention performed by trained professionals, distinct from a simple assessment, and carries its own considerations, including potential discomfort and mild bleeding.
The Dangers of Self-Cervical Checks
Attempting to perform a self-cervical check at home carries significant risks and is discouraged for pregnant individuals. Without proper medical training in anatomy and sterile technique, there is a substantial risk of introducing bacteria into the vaginal canal and potentially into the uterus. Such an introduction could lead to serious ascending infections, including chorioamnionitis, posing dangers to both the pregnant individual and the developing fetus.
A layperson lacks the anatomical knowledge, tactile skill, and clinical experience required to accurately assess cervical changes like effacement, dilation, or the baby’s station. This often leads to misinterpretation of findings, causing undue anxiety about perceived lack of progress or providing false reassurance about readiness for labor. Improper technique during a self-check might also result in discomfort, irritation, or minor injury to the delicate cervical and vaginal tissues, increasing the risk of bleeding or localized inflammation. Professional medical guidance is important for any cervical assessment.
When and Why Healthcare Providers Perform Cervical Checks
Healthcare providers begin offering cervical checks during the final weeks of pregnancy, often starting around 36 to 37 weeks gestation during routine prenatal appointments. The primary purpose of these initial checks is to assess the cervix’s readiness for labor by evaluating effacement, dilation, and the baby’s station within the pelvis. This information helps providers gauge the likelihood of spontaneous labor in the near future.
During active labor, cervical checks are performed more frequently to monitor progression. These assessments help determine how quickly the cervix is opening, the baby’s descent into the birth canal, and whether labor is progressing effectively. A cervical check may also be necessary before specific medical interventions, such as administering labor-inducing medications like oxytocin, to ensure the cervix is favorable for such procedures. These examinations are always conducted by trained medical professionals using sterile gloves and adhering to strict hygiene protocols to minimize any risks of infection.