Cervical checks are a common aspect of prenatal care, particularly in the later stages of pregnancy. These examinations provide healthcare providers with information about the cervix’s readiness for labor and the progress of labor itself.
Routine Cervical Checks in Late Pregnancy
Healthcare providers typically begin routine cervical checks around 36 to 37 weeks of pregnancy, often during weekly prenatal appointments. The primary purpose is to assess the cervix’s physical characteristics, indicating how the body is preparing for childbirth.
During these checks, providers evaluate several factors:
Dilation: The opening of the cervix, measured in centimeters from 0 to 10.
Effacement: The thinning of the cervix, expressed as a percentage, where 100% means it’s completely thinned.
Consistency and Position: The cervix becomes softer and shifts from posterior to anterior as labor approaches.
Fetal Station: The baby’s position relative to the mother’s pelvis, ranging from -5 (high) to +5 (low).
These checks offer a snapshot of cervical changes but do not reliably predict when labor will begin.
Cervical Checks During Labor
Cervical checks become a more dynamic part of care once labor begins. During active labor, these examinations monitor childbirth progression, typically every two to four hours, or more frequently if concerns arise. This information helps healthcare providers understand how quickly labor is advancing and guides management decisions.
Monitoring cervical dilation, effacement, and fetal station helps determine if labor is progressing as expected. If labor stalls or the baby’s heart rate changes, a cervical check provides important information to guide potential interventions, such such as administering an epidural or considering a C-section. These assessments are a tool to understand the current stage of labor and inform decisions for a safe delivery.
Situations Requiring Earlier or More Frequent Cervical Checks
In certain medical situations, healthcare providers may perform cervical checks earlier or more often than the routine schedule. For instance, signs of preterm labor, such as contractions before 37 weeks, vaginal bleeding, or unusual discharge, may necessitate an earlier examination. This helps determine if the cervix is undergoing changes that could lead to an early delivery.
A history of cervical incompetence, also known as cervical insufficiency, is another condition warranting closer monitoring. This occurs when the cervix opens too early in pregnancy without contractions, potentially leading to miscarriage or premature birth. In such cases, regular cervical length measurements, often via ultrasound, and physical exams assess the cervix’s stability. Vaginal bleeding at any point in pregnancy can also prompt a cervical check to investigate the cause and ensure the well-being of both the pregnant person and the baby.
What to Expect During a Cervical Examination
A cervical examination is performed by a healthcare provider, typically using one or two gloved fingers. The procedure involves inserting fingers into the vagina to manually feel the cervix, usually lasting between 30 seconds and a couple of minutes.
While generally brief, some individuals may experience pressure or mild discomfort, similar to menstrual cramps. Lubrication is often used to facilitate the process and enhance comfort. To manage discomfort, individuals can practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or visualization. Open communication with the healthcare provider is important to express any pain or request a pause during the examination.