Why Cervical Checks in Pregnancy and Labor Are Unnecessary: Trusting Your Intuition
Cervical checks are something that really irks me.
The persistent insistence on cervical checks during labor and pregnancy is an invasive procedure that seems to be a regular on every provider's checklist lately.
More and more, my lovely clients share their experiences of doctors asking for vaginal exams, commonly known as 'pelvic exams' or 'cervical checks,' weekly towards the end of pregnancy. Supposedly, these checks determine cervical dilation and effacement. The kicker is these exams don’t hold any clinical significance, as proven by milestone studies conducted in 1984. Aside from satisfying curiosity they offer zero health benefits in fact, they come with risks too. Research has revealed that weekly cervical checks, starting at 37 weeks of pregnancy, pose a 3-fold risk of pre-rupture of membranes (PROM)—the premature rupture of gestational membranes before labor begins. PROM often leads to an increased risk of infection and subsequent induction, initiating a cascade of interventions. I'm a firm believer in trusting our body’s messages. Cervical checks, however, mess with your mindset more than they offer insight. Your body and baby are working miracles together, and these checks can disrupt that synergy, sometimes causing significant discomfort. Imagine preparing physically, mentally, and emotionally for your magical birth, and someone wants to intrude without a valid reason. It’s disruptive and introduces unnecessary stress—something you definitely don’t need as you prepare to welcome your baby. You don’t need a cervical check to validate your innate wisdom. Providers might push for these checks, but remember, it's your body and your choice. You have every right to decline, no justification needed. If you feel uncomfortable declining, I've got you covered with respectful ways to decline without causing any fuss. Your intuition is your superpower, and I’m here to support you every step of the way. Trust your instincts and rock your autonomous journey.