A cervical check is a routine examination performed during late pregnancy or labor to assess the condition of the cervix. Many individuals wonder if this procedure can initiate labor. While not a guaranteed method to induce labor, it can, in some cases, contribute to its onset, especially if the body is already preparing for birth.
The Purpose and Procedure of a Cervical Check
Healthcare providers perform cervical checks to evaluate the progression of late pregnancy and labor. This examination helps determine how ready the cervix is for childbirth by assessing key factors: dilation, effacement, and fetal station. Dilation refers to the opening of the cervix, measured in centimeters from 0 to 10. Effacement describes the thinning and shortening of the cervix, typically expressed as a percentage from 0% to 100%. Fetal station indicates how far the baby’s head has descended into the pelvis relative to the ischial spines, ranging from -5 (high) to +5 (c crowning).
The procedure involves the healthcare provider inserting one or two gloved, lubricated fingers into the vagina to manually feel the cervix. This digital examination allows the provider to estimate the cervix’s openness, thickness, and the baby’s position. Some individuals may find the check uncomfortable or mildly painful due to increased blood flow and sensitivity in the cervix during pregnancy.
Understanding Post-Check Labor Onset
A cervical check can sometimes contribute to labor onset by stimulating the cervix. Physical manipulation during the examination can trigger the release of prostaglandins. These hormone-like substances soften and ripen the cervix, initiating uterine contractions and leading to labor.
Another mechanism by which labor might be encouraged is a membrane sweep, distinct from a standard cervical check but sometimes performed concurrently. During a membrane sweep, the healthcare provider uses a finger to gently separate the amniotic sac from the lower uterine segment. This action is a more direct attempt to induce labor by stimulating further prostaglandin release.
A cervical check is most likely to contribute to labor if the body is already prepared for birth. If the cervix is soft, thinning, or slightly dilated, stimulation from the check or a membrane sweep has a greater chance of being effective. The procedure rarely initiates labor in a body not close to term or showing signs of readiness.
Differentiating True Labor from Post-Check Discomfort
After a cervical check, temporary discomfort like light cramping, spotting, or increased vaginal discharge is common and should not be mistaken for true labor. Mild cramping is often due to cervical sensitivity and manipulation, typically subsiding within a few hours. Light pink or brown spotting is also normal, as the cervix is highly vascular and can bleed easily when irritated.
True labor involves a distinct pattern of symptoms. Contractions become regular, increasingly strong, and more frequent, not subsiding with rest or hydration. Rupture of membranes, commonly known as “water breaking,” is another significant sign, appearing as a gush or steady trickle of fluid. Significant bleeding or a change in vaginal discharge to “bloody show” (pink or red-tinged mucus) can also signal labor onset.
When to Contact Your Healthcare Provider
After a cervical check, monitor for signs of true labor or other concerns. Contact your healthcare provider if you experience contractions that become consistently regular, stronger, and closer together, signaling labor has begun.
Also contact your provider immediately if your water breaks (gush or continuous trickle of fluid), as this increases the risk of infection. Heavy vaginal bleeding or a significant change in vaginal discharge (bloody show) should also prompt a call. Report a decrease in fetal movement or any other concerning symptoms to your healthcare provider without delay.