A cervical check, also known as a pelvic or vaginal exam, is a physical assessment performed by a healthcare provider during pregnancy. This examination focuses on evaluating the state of the cervix, which functions as a protective barrier at the base of the uterus. The procedure helps healthcare professionals understand the changes occurring in the cervix as pregnancy progresses. It provides information about the cervix’s readiness for labor.
Why and When a Cervical Check is Performed
Cervical checks are performed to assess the physical changes the cervix undergoes, particularly as a woman approaches the end of her pregnancy or experiences signs of labor. Healthcare providers use these checks to evaluate cervical effacement, which is the thinning of the cervix, and dilation, which is its opening. They also assess the consistency and position of the cervix, and the baby’s station, indicating how low the baby is in the pelvis.
These examinations typically become a routine part of prenatal care around 36 to 37 weeks of gestation, although some providers may offer them earlier or later depending on individual circumstances. Cervical checks are also performed if there are concerns about preterm labor, such as contractions before 37 weeks, vaginal bleeding, or unusual discharge. Additionally, they are conducted during labor to monitor its progression and to determine the appropriate timing for interventions, or before an induction to help guide the process.
The Procedure Steps
A cervical check involves a precise, manual examination by a healthcare provider. The process begins with the patient lying on an examination table, typically with feet placed in stirrups and knees bent and apart. This positioning allows the provider clear access to the cervix.
The healthcare provider then inserts one or two gloved and lubricated fingers into the vagina. The fingers are gently advanced until they reach the cervix, which is located at the top of the vaginal canal. The provider relies on touch to assess several characteristics of the cervix, as it cannot be visually seen during this type of manual exam.
During the examination, the provider feels for cervical dilation, effacement, consistency, and the baby’s station. The entire manual examination typically lasts between 30 seconds and a few minutes.
What to Expect During and After
During a cervical check, it is common to experience sensations of pressure or discomfort. Some individuals may describe the feeling as similar to menstrual cramps, and in some cases, it can be mildly painful. This discomfort is generally brief. The cervix can be more sensitive during pregnancy due to increased blood flow, which may contribute to these sensations.
Immediately following a cervical check, it is common to experience light spotting or a small amount of blood-tinged mucus. This is normal because the examination can irritate the sensitive cervical tissue. Mild cramping may also occur after the procedure, which is a normal response. These post-procedure symptoms typically subside within a few hours or up to 24-48 hours.
Understanding the Findings
After the examination, the healthcare provider communicates the findings to the patient, typically using specific measurements. Dilation refers to the opening of the cervix, measured in centimeters, ranging from 0 cm (closed) to 10 cm (fully open). Effacement describes the thinning of the cervix, expressed as a percentage, from 0% (thick) to 100% (paper-thin).
The baby’s station indicates how far the baby’s presenting part, usually the head, has descended into the pelvis. This is measured in relation to the ischial spines, which are bony prominences in the pelvis. A zero station means the baby’s head is level with these spines, while negative numbers mean it is higher, and positive numbers mean it is lower in the birth canal. These measurements provide a snapshot of the cervical changes and the baby’s position, offering insight into the body’s readiness for labor or its progression.