self check?

mandawest · July 2012

How exactly can you check to see if you're dilating? I understand the concept of dilation & effacement, but how do the dr's know? I am a couple weeks shy of when my dr will start checking & was just curious.

jfgreer · July 2012

I think 36 weeks is a common start time, but many don't start till later. The doctors know through medical training and experience-- not trying to be snarky but that's just my answer. You have a ways to go, no need to worry about whether you are dilated yet. Just enjoy your pregnancy

ChristyML · July 2012

All I've heard from tv and from my Lamaze class is that a centimeter is about the size of a fingertip. I'm pretty sure the doctors know by feeling...sorry to also be kind of snarky, but that seems pretty straightforward to me....I also don't think you can check yourself...they are checking your cervix, which is kind of a ways up there, and you probably shouldn't try; you don't want to take the chance of hurting yourself kwim?

AnaKat405 · July 2012

Here's a link to some very basic info, since you're curious:

https://www.ehow.com/how_4609939_do-cervical-check-dilation-yourself.html

I did cervical checks while charting when TTGP. That was how I knew we'd conceived because my cervix felt different than it'd ever felt during various times throughout my cycles. I waited probably six days to make sure I was late, then took a test.

However, I'd caution against doing this as it can introduce bacteria / infection. Having said that, I'll be laboring at home unassisted before inviting my midwife over to help with birth. I do intend to become more familiar with self-checks so I can be sure that I'm close enough to require her presence, and to avoid pushing prematurely. This is something I'll be discussing with my practitioners, as they're aware of my wishes for as little assistance as possible.

KarmB · July 2012

even you will learn the position you baby is in. I can tell exactly where her feet and ass are

judahsmommy1 · July 2012

If you want to try you aren't going to hurt yourself. Make sure you wash your hands well first so you don't introduce bacteria. It's not any more dangerous than masturbating or sex. Just know that because of how far up there your cervix is, you're unlikely to be able to reach it. Also, unless you're already very familiar with your body, you're not going to know what you're feeling for. So if you do reach your cervix, it's unlikely you'll know how to interpret what you feel. Also, you are probably only going to be able to feel your outer cervix which doesn't give you much information at all.

Long story short, if you want to try, it's safe and you shouldn't feel weird about doing it. Just don't expect to gain a whole lot of information if any from your experiments.

mandawest · July 2012

Thanks u guys. I was just more curious than anything...not planning on causing myself injury to satisfy my curiousity though!

kes77 · July 2012

My OB doesn't start internals until 38 weeks and they are optional, with my second daughter I denied them because I felt as if they gave "false hope" as far as going into labor. I walked around for two weeks at 4cm dialated and 80% effaced with my first before I went into labor.

punkrockabye · July 2012

I'm in the "extremely familiar with my body" camp so I certainly know what I'm feeling for. I felt the other night while sitting on the toilet. I didn't try to stick a finger into my cervix, though. Compared to the first couple weeks of pregnancy and before pregnancy, it was extremely short! Also felt very soft to me, and it felt like mucus was right whee I would have put my finger to check for dilation (I didn't because I wouldn't be able to accurately measure it anyway). I was just surprised at how shore it was. I may actually consent to a check on Monday. I know they're not necessary but I am so curious.

Mike_Patti · July 2012

Doctors and nurses check by sticking 2 fingers up there and feeling the cervix. The measurement is based on how far apart you can spread your fingers inside the cervix and how thin it feels. It's fairly rudimentary, but basically it's all by experience. Also, it's really an estimate. For example, one nurse may said they think a cervix is 5cm and then a doctor may come in and say 6cm. One of them isn't really wrong; it's just an estimate. Yes, you could totally check your own cervix provided you know what to feel for. There is a risk of introducing infection, but really varies based on the situation.

AprilAngie · July 2012

I commented the other day in l & d that they shoukd have an 'at home check twst' to see how far dilated and the nurse made a valid concern, saying many woman will and could puncture their cervix. This is something I think Ill leave to my dr to check instead of checking on my own. I agree with pp - u have time too.

MississippiCatfish · July 2012

I will just add to PPs comments...medical staff do this not only with gloved hands but sterile gloved hands. And even then, many physicians have stopped doing checks routinely at appointments because of the risk of infection. Just think how much greater the risk of infection is when not performed under sterile conditions...

MrsDavesAFish · July 2012

angieboldt:
I will just add to PPs comments...medical staff do this not only with gloved hands but sterile gloved hands. And even then, many physicians have stopped doing checks routinely at appointments because of the risk of infection. Just think how much greater the risk of infection is when not performed under sterile conditions...

Do you not have sex with your husband? Just sayin.........

landosmommy · July 2012

MrsDavesAFish:
angieboldt:
I will just add to PPs comments...medical staff do this not only with gloved hands but sterile gloved hands. And even then, many physicians have stopped doing checks routinely at appointments because of the risk of infection. Just think how much greater the risk of infection is when not performed under sterile conditions...

Do you not have sex with your husband? Just sayin.........

Does your husband's penis touch door knobs, keyboards, steering wheels, money, food???? I sure hope not.

bettywhitettgp · July 2012

angieboldt:
I will just add to PPs comments...medical staff do this not only with gloved hands but sterile gloved hands. And even then, many physicians have stopped doing checks routinely at appointments because of the risk of infection. Just think how much greater the risk of infection is when not performed under sterile conditions...

The only time this is really an issue is when your water is broken. Otherwise, digital stimulation would always be out of the question!

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