Cervix check

rw3190 · July 2015

Ive been checked twice this week for effacement and dilation- both times were painful but the second time I cramped for the rest of the night. Dr made a point of pushing with her finger and said "feel that? Its babys head." I nearly jumped off the table.

Last night baby did a lot wiggling, had some tightening of the abdomen and I was extremely uncomfortable. Today Ive had strong cramping again. Anyone else have the same?

She said 50% effaced and not dilated (?)

MouseMama817 · July 2015

I had mine yesterday. Not dilated but 70% effaced and today I'm cramping like a mother f*cker.

KrystalP2286 · July 2015

Had my first check today, and it was painful. Doctor said that's normal.. Might even see a bloody show since I am dilated (only 1 cm / 70% effaced).

Jones071507 · July 2015

I was in the hospital with a UTI and had to get checked. Only dilated to 1cm and it hurt like hell!! They checked me twice so the second time I was more prepared but still hurt so bad. They said minor spotting and cramping would be normal but thank goodness I didn't have any of that.

anderl6 · July 2015

This may be silly to point out but you have every right to decline a cervical check. If there isn't a major issue that is leading the doctor to want to check you, there really is no reason why you need to consent to one especially if it is so painful/uncomfortable. Not to mention the unnecessary bacteria that may be entering your birth canal with each check...eek. And the fact that any measurements are subjective between whomever is conducting them. You could be 2cm by one doctor's assessment and another will think you are 4cm, for example.

I've had clients who have gone their entire pregnancy and birth without a cervical check. I haven't had one yet and plan on declining during labor as well. Just my own preference.

You're smart ladies so I'm sure you'll decide what is best for you. Just wanted to throw that out there in case someone wasn't aware that they could choose to decline a check.

gotdiesel2007 · July 2015

anderl6 said:
This may be silly to point out but you have every right to decline a cervical check. If there isn't a major issue that is leading the doctor to want to check you, there really is no reason why you need to consent to one especially if it is so painful/uncomfortable. Not to mention the unnecessary bacteria that may be entering your birth canal with each check...eek. And the fact that any measurements are subjective between whomever is conducting them. You could be 2cm by one doctor's assessment and another will think you are 4cm, for example.

I've had clients who have gone their entire pregnancy and birth without a cervical check. I haven't had one yet and plan on declining during labor as well. Just my own preference.

You're smart ladies so I'm sure you'll decide what is best for you. Just wanted to throw that out there in case someone wasn't aware that they could choose to decline a check.

This the dr/hospital I'm at doesn't do cervical checks or fundal height unless you ask.

sschwege · July 2015

anderl6 said:

This may be silly to point out but you have every right to decline a cervical check. If there isn't a major issue that is leading the doctor to want to check you, there really is no reason why you need to consent to one especially if it is so painful/uncomfortable. Not to mention the unnecessary bacteria that may be entering your birth canal with each check...eek. And the fact that any measurements are subjective between whomever is conducting them. You could be 2cm by one doctor's assessment and another will think you are 4cm, for example.

I've had clients who have gone their entire pregnancy and birth without a cervical check. I haven't had one yet and plan on declining during labor as well. Just my own preference.

You're smart ladies so I'm sure you'll decide what is best for you. Just wanted to throw that out there in case someone wasn't aware that they could choose to decline a check.

Agreed! I didn't have a single cervical check with my first two until I was at the hospital in active labor, even still it was minimal (3 with DD (2 at my request) and 0 with DS because my MW could see the head). The only reason I asked to be checked this time is because DS came so fast that I thought it might be helpful to know how far along I am before labor even starts, particularly because we live even further from our hospital now.

Serious question not trying to be snarky, for those who think they are painful, why do you have them done?

johannaspisak · July 2015

I've actually only found them mildly annoying, especially when compared to the finale that's around the corner for us in the next few weeks. Last one was yesterday, where I managed to go from 0% to 50%effaced in a week. I had Leep procedure in June of 2014, and a history of preterm labor. Dr likes to keep an eye on things.

CaliforniaDream87 · July 2015

This is exactly why I refuse checks. Honestly, all she was able to tell you was that you're 50% effaced....that really doesn't mean much.

Miz_Liz · July 2015

I had a LEEP back in February, but will still very much be refusing cervical checks this go around until I am in active labor. Having the LEEP still does not change the signs of active labor - regular contractions, water breaking, etc..

ellis6758 · July 2015

How far along are you?

rw3190 · July 2015

I had One done in Hosp bc I was in for BP issues
I didn't know I could decline honestly. I didn't know it was going to be painful. Nurse said she wanted to make sure I wasn't having contractions and be dialated as I didn't realize my contractions were the real deal

KrystalP2286 · July 2015

As pointed out, I think it's a personal decision. I read various opinions on the issue, and it is a common practice at my doctors' office to do the checks. I didn't go to medical school- I'm a lousy social worker

- so I do trust that medical professionals have my best interests in mind. They're the ones who are experts and see this everyday. I'm not saying they are always right or know it all, but I chose to put my trust in them for a reason.

MouseMama817 · July 2015

@sschwege

I had mine done because my midwife said she wanted to make sure the baby wasn't breech. I don't plan on having one done at every appointment though because of how much it hurts and because I know it doesn't tell you anything about your timeline.

xsunshinelady15 · July 2015

Le sigh...

deleted22152218 · July 2015

This topic so confuses me no matter how much I read up on it. My next doctor's appointment is on the 15th and my doctor mentioned that he'll be doing my first cervix check that day. I didn't protest because I haven't decided whether or not I will be turning it down or not. My question is this: For what reason exactly do doctors do these checks in the first place? I can understand why they'd be performed on women who are being monitored closely for pre term labor, but why perform these checks on low risk women? Is there some benefit that outweighs the discomfort? What exactly are these checks telling doctors, if they're not providing insight as to when labor may come? I don't get it!

(

sushilove15 · July 2015

lisajean07 said:
This topic so confuses me no matter how much I read up on it. My next doctor's appointment is on the 15th and my doctor mentioned that he'll be doing my first cervix check that day. I didn't protest because I haven't decided whether or not I will be turning it down or not. My question is this: For what reason exactly do doctors do these checks in the first place? I can understand why they'd be performed on women who are being monitored closely for pre term labor, but why perform these checks on low risk women? Is there some benefit that outweighs the discomfort? What exactly are these checks telling doctors, if they're not providing insight as to when labor may come? I don't get it! (

I Asked my Dr this question and she said it is to monitor progress.

mimigrace12 · July 2015

lisajean07 said:
This topic so confuses me no matter how much I read up on it. My next doctor's appointment is on the 15th and my doctor mentioned that he'll be doing my first cervix check that day. I didn't protest because I haven't decided whether or not I will be turning it down or not. My question is this: For what reason exactly do doctors do these checks in the first place? I can understand why they'd be performed on women who are being monitored closely for pre term labor, but why perform these checks on low risk women? Is there some benefit that outweighs the discomfort? What exactly are these checks telling doctors, if they're not providing insight as to when labor may come? I don't get it! (

Mine said the same to me. I plan on asking him at the appointment what his reasons are for doing the check, and if it's nothing of concern I will probably decline.

kedbach · July 2015

I was 1cm dilated at my Thursday appointment and they scheduled an induction for July 26.. I went into labor that night and was admitted yesterday morning- gave birth at 5:26 pm yesterday!! It's crazy how sometimes it means nothing and sometimes you just go into labor that quickly!

KrystalP2286 · July 2015

I don't comment on many things because of this... I don't understand why women cannot have differing opinions on this board. Not everyone will receive the same medical treatment/advice, especially when we all have different needs and pregnancies.

So, @xsunshinelady15.. I'm not sure why the "le sigh..." comment is necessary if you're really not contributing anything, but snarkiness.

xsunshinelady15 · July 2015

KrystalP2286 said:

I don't comment on many things because of this... I don't understand why women cannot have differing opinions on this board. Not everyone will receive the same medical treatment/advice, especially when we all have different needs and pregnancies. So, @xsunshinelady15.. I'm not sure why the "le sigh..." comment is necessary if you're really not contributing anything, but snarkiness.

You say snarkiness, I say snarkiness so we agree on that! Who said women can't agree? Whatever I type, I feel is necessary so if you don't like it, keep scrolling. It is your right, just as it is my perogative to type "Le sigh."

If there is no medical reason to get checked WHY are you repeating these checks when they are pointless? The results have no correlation as to when you will go into labor and can open your vag to unnecessary bacteria/infection so.. what is the point? Education is power, trusting what is put in front of you "just because" you are lazy to do research is not smart in my book. So... I will Le Sigh as often as I like. Not that I have to explain myself to YOU, so don't @ me.. Bye Felecia.

purduepat2004 · July 2015

I asked my doctor and she said that cervix checks are important for monitoring. If the doctors feel that something is amiss, then they will send me to l&d. Without checking they would base their assessments on questions and answers. Sometimes patients are not always sure about things, this is their way of ensuring their safety.

KrystalP2286 · July 2015

I simply said if you are not contributing, why even bother?

You also have no clue what research any person has or hasn't done about the topic. Like many people have said before, no one on this board is a medical professional, and I don't ask for those opinions. I only provide my own experiences as they relate. Just because someone doesn't "go along to get along" with what you think, it doesn't make them uneducated when they've made their own informed decision for themselves.

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