Expectant parents often wonder if routine cervical checks, common in late pregnancy, can inadvertently trigger labor. Understanding the nature of these checks and their relationship to labor onset can help alleviate concerns and provide a clearer picture of what to expect as the due date approaches.
Understanding Cervical Checks
A cervical check, also known as a vaginal or pelvic exam, is a procedure performed by a healthcare provider to assess the readiness of the cervix for labor. This examination typically involves the provider inserting two gloved, lubricated fingers into the vagina to feel the cervix. During this process, the provider evaluates several factors: cervical dilation, which is how open the cervix is measured in centimeters; effacement, which refers to the thinning of the cervix measured as a percentage; and the baby’s position within the pelvis.
These checks are commonly performed in the final weeks of pregnancy, often starting around 36 or 37 weeks, and also upon admission to labor and delivery. The purpose is to gather information about the progression of the cervix, helping to determine if the body is preparing for childbirth. While they offer insights into cervical changes, these exams alone do not reliably predict when labor will begin.
Cervical Checks and Labor Onset
A standard cervical check, a routine internal examination, does not typically induce labor. The primary goal of this check is to gather information about the cervix’s status, such as dilation and effacement, rather than to initiate contractions. While the physical manipulation of the cervix can sometimes lead to mild cramping or spotting, it typically does not trigger the sustained, progressive contractions of true labor.
It is important to distinguish a routine cervical check from a “membrane sweep.” A membrane sweep is a procedure performed during a cervical check specifically designed to encourage labor. During this, the healthcare provider gently sweeps a gloved finger around the cervix to separate the amniotic sac from the lower uterine wall. This separation releases prostaglandins, hormones that can help soften the cervix and potentially initiate contractions. It is an elective procedure requiring informed consent, typically performed near or past the due date to encourage labor.
Distinguishing Normal Sensations from True Labor
After a cervical check, whether it’s a standard exam or includes a membrane sweep, it is common to experience sensations that might be mistaken for the onset of labor. These can include mild spotting or cramping and general discomfort. These temporary side effects are usually a result of the cervix being touched and manipulated during the examination and do not typically indicate that labor has begun.
True labor, in contrast, is characterized by more distinct and progressive signs. These include contractions that become regular, stronger, and closer together over time, not stopping with changes in position or relaxation. Other signs include ruptured membranes, which may present as a gush or trickle of fluid. Additionally, consistent lower back pain or a “bloody show,” which is the release of the mucus plug tinged with blood, can signal the beginning of labor. If any of these true labor signs are observed, especially if contractions are intensifying or membranes have ruptured, contact a healthcare provider for guidance.