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This post is a continuation about cervical exams for normal, healthy pregnancies. In Part one I discussed how cervical exams in late pregnancy are common practice for some providers, what many people think the cervix does that leads to birth, and explained the intricacies of the changes your cervix undergoes to prepare for childbirth. This post will conclude with discussing what cervical exams can tell you and why the can be necessary, what they can't tell you, and risks vs benefits. what a cervical exam can tell youA cervical exam can give information on all of the changes covered in part one of this blog post including: position of your cervix (anterior or posterior), the ripeness (how soft it is), effacement (how thin it is), and dilation (how open it is). A cervical exam allows a provider to determine baby's station, which is how far baby is in the pelvis, and some providers can use a cervical exam to position of baby as well. Some instances when cervical exams may or may not be necessaryThey may be necessary:
On the flip-side One of my favorite resource to go to for quality information about maternity care is Evidence Based Birth. Rebecca Dekker, the owner of EBB, did a Q&A video about prenatal cervical exams. She does not go into exams during labor, just the period before labor begins; but based on the two most quality studies available on prenatal cervical exams there was really no evidence for or against them one way or another. One study back in 1984 noted an increased risk of prematurely ruptured membranes (waters breaking early) in those receiving these checks. But there is no way to tell if providers were also doing membrane sweeps (strips) to induce labor which carries that risk as well. The only thing that looks like a positive from prenatal cervical exams is satisfying curiosity for either party. What a cervical exam cannot tell you
These are the things most people are hoping to discern from a cervical check. Sadly there is no way for your cervix to predict how much about your birth at all. You may be a little dilated, slightly effaced, and seemingly ready for weeks before labor begins. You may be completely closed with a high cervix and give birth in only a few hours. Every birth is different for every person, and unless you are full dilated at an exam there is no way to tell how much longer you may be waiting or laboring for. possible Risks/benefitsPotential risks of a cervical exam:
Potential benefits of a cervical exam:
Communication about cervical examsAsk your provider what information they expect to get from the exam, and if that information is medically necessary for moving forward with your current plans. If cervical exams are trigger you emotionally, are painful, or you just don't think they are necessary you can always say "no thank you," "no," or "I do not consent." If your provider thinks the exam is medically necessary discuss your options with them, including if you consent to or turn down the exam. It's your birth! A post about communication and informed consent/refusal will be coming soon, so stay tuned. what you should remember about your cervixIt's empowering to know how our bodies make processes like birth happen. The changes your cervix makes can happen very quickly or very slowly, or anywhere in-between. It all depends on your pregnancy, and even your thoughts/fears about birth. Stress hormones can slow cervical changes because they inhibit the hormones necessary for labor to be effective. Try to look at birth with knowledge, calm, and confidence. Hire support, take classes, read, listen, watch about birth. Become an informed consumer! Your cervix is a part of your uterus that is highly receptive to hormonal changes and even stress. It is powerful and yielding. It's beautiful, and it's yours! Thank you so much for reading! Leave a comment and let me know what you think! I am not a licensed medical provider. Nothing in my blog post should be considered medical advice, merely information to open a dialogue with your care provider. While research is important, so is a good relationship with your provider. Please speak to them about all aspects of your care.
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AuthorHi, Jessie here. I'm a doula, mother, and wearer of many hats. All things birth related are my passion. It brings me great joy and satisfaction to serve clients and educate families. I am new to blogging, and excited to share with you all lots of different things about birth. Archives
May 2020
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