A cervical check is an internal examination performed by a healthcare provider to assess the physical state of the cervix. This procedure is generally offered during the later stages of pregnancy or once labor has begun. By briefly inserting one or two fingers, the provider gathers specific measurements that indicate the progression toward delivery. This quick assessment provides objective data about the reproductive tract’s status.
Why Cervical Checks Are Performed
The primary goal of a cervical check is to quantify three measurements that describe the progression of labor: dilation, effacement, and fetal station. Dilation refers to the opening of the cervix, which must expand from zero centimeters up to ten centimeters to allow the baby to pass through. Providers use their fingers to measure this width, with ten centimeters indicating a fully dilated or “complete” cervix.
Effacement describes the thinning and softening of the cervix. This measurement is expressed as a percentage, ranging from zero percent (thick) to one hundred percent (paper-thin). The cervix must become fully effaced before the opening can effectively dilate to its maximum size.
The third measurement, fetal station, indicates how far the baby’s head has descended into the pelvis in relation to the ischial spines. These bony points within the pelvis are designated as the zero station. Measurements are given in negative numbers if the head is above the spines, and positive numbers if it has moved below them, signifying the baby is lower in the birth canal.
What to Expect During the Procedure
The examination typically begins with the patient lying on an examination table, often with their knees bent and feet placed in stirrups or flat on the table. This positioning allows the provider to access the cervix. The provider will first put on sterile gloves and apply a generous amount of lubricating gel to their fingers.
The provider inserts one or two fingers into the vagina, guiding them up and back toward the cervix. If the cervix is positioned backward, the provider may need to reach more deeply to make contact. The fingers gently sweep across the cervix to feel its edges and determine the dilation and tissue thickness.
The entire process usually lasts less than thirty seconds, as the measurements are taken almost simultaneously. Because the procedure is performed blindly, the provider may need to apply slight pressure or adjust the angle to accurately assess all three metrics. This quick, focused action minimizes potential discomfort.
Describing the Physical Sensation
The dominant physical sensation experienced during a cervical check is intense pressure, rather than a sharp or cutting feeling. This pressure occurs as the provider’s fingers push upward and forward to reach the cervix and then laterally to determine the dilation measurement. This internal pressure is often felt deep within the pelvis or lower abdomen.
The degree of sensation can vary significantly depending on individual anatomy and the provider’s technique. For example, if the cervix is still positioned posterior, the provider must reach further, which can intensify the feeling of pressure. Measuring dilation involves a brief sweeping motion, which can momentarily increase the discomfort compared to simply assessing effacement.
Many people find the check less bothersome when they focus on relaxing the pelvic floor muscles. Employing controlled breathing techniques, such as slow, deep inhales and exhales, can help manage the sensation. Tensing the vaginal muscles in response to the pressure can make the examination more difficult for the provider and increase the level of perceived discomfort.
Post-Check Expectations and Patient Rights
Following a cervical check, it is common to experience side effects. Light spotting or bloody discharge may occur, which is normal because the delicate blood vessels on the surface of the cervix have been touched. Mild cramping, similar to light menstrual cramps, may also be felt for a few hours after the examination.
It is important to contact a healthcare provider if the bleeding becomes heavy, such as soaking a pad in an hour, or if cramping becomes severe and persistent. Any gush or continuous trickle of clear fluid should also be reported, as this could indicate the rupture of membranes. These temporary side effects generally resolve within twelve to twenty-four hours.
Patients maintain the right to refuse any medical procedure, including a cervical check. This concept, known as informed consent, means a provider must explain the reason for the check and any potential risks before proceeding. If a patient feels uncomfortable or prefers to forgo the procedure, they have the right to decline.