Should I get a cervical exam?
The biggest thing to consider in pregnancy when getting cervical exams is the ‘why.’
Most people think cervical exams suck. 😩 And I have never had a client say they delighted in getting one. If you don’t want one but feel pressured to do so, my number 1 tip is to keep your pants on. Don’t get undressed and you will feel more comfortable saying no.
If you don’t want a cervical exam, keep your pants on.
Here are 3 things to consider when getting a cervical exam in pregnancy:
If you choose to get a cervical exam in 3rd trimester you need to understand that the information you will receive will meet with your brain. It will not tell you how “close” you are to going into labor, in fact all you will get are 3 numbers (dilation, effacement, and station) that inevitably could change at any point. It’s a brain f@$k. 🤪 Cervical exams mess with you to think your body is or isn’t in a good place to go into labor but in reality the information doesn’t tell us anything about the actual day or time your body will begin labor. Providers who set stringent labor timelines (ie . “You must go into labor by xx date or we require induction”) make this even more stressful and hard for the mental space. 🙀
Cervical exams are typically uncomfortable or painful .😭Not only in the moment may you experience some discomfort but also in the following 24-48 hours you may feel crampy and achy. Cervical exams do have minor and very unlikely risks which include premature rupture of membranes (waters 💦 breaking) and/or vaginal infection.
The only time cervical exams are helpful in pregnancy is IF you are planning a MEDICALLY NECESSARY induction within 24 hours. Cervical exams will give the provider and yourself information to talk about all induction options in order to decide which option makes the most sense for you. 🤔 Its important to discuss all induction options and have a conversation, this should never look like a provider telling you what to do but instead a collaborative conversation which may include the birther, partner, doula, and provider to come up with the best game plan. (Hint: this conversation is much easier when you are fully clothed and not in a hospital setting) 🙃
Some information to know if you are getting a cervical exam and it is in relationship to an induction is to know what your Bishop Score is.
A bishop score is a rating a provider will give you on a myriad of factors including dilation and effacement of your cervix to determine how successful your induction will be to have a vaginal birth. Other factors include the station of your baby, whether or not you have had a vaginal birth before, and the location of your cervix. The scoring is from 0-13 and the higher the score the more likely you will have a successful induction. A score of 5 or below means an induction is unlikely to be successful, 6-8 is the induction may or may not be successful, and 8 or higher there is a strong chance of the induction being successful for a vaginal birth. Ask what your Bishop Score is!
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Resource: Cleveland Clinic
