What do cervical checks tell you?
Cervical checks provide valuable information to healthcare providers during labor and can help assess the progress of delivery. Here’s what they typically indicate:
1. Dilation
Definition: Dilation refers to the opening of the cervix. During labor, the cervix needs to dilate from 0 centimeters (closed) to 10 centimeters (fully dilated) to allow the baby to pass through the birth canal.
Measurement: Dilation is measured in centimeters and is assessed during cervical checks.
2. Effacement
Definition: Dilation refers to the opening of the cervix. During labor, the cervix needs to dilate from 0 centimeters (closed) to 10 centimeters (fully dilated) to allow the baby to pass through the birth canal.
Measurement: Dilation is measured in centimeters and is assessed during cervical checks.
3. Station
Definition: Station refers to the position of the baby’s head in relation to the ischial spines of the pelvis, which are bony landmarks. It’s measured in centimeters above or below the ischial spines.
Measurements:
Negative numbers (e.g., -2) indicate the baby’s head is above the ischial spines.
Zero station means the head is at the level of the ischial spines.
Positive numbers (e.g., +2) indicate the baby’s head is below the ischial spines and closer to being born.
4. Position of the Cervix
What it Tells: Describes the cervix's position (anterior, posterior, or mid-position). This can impact labor progress and comfort.
5. Consistency of the Cervix
What it Tells: The cervix can be firm, soft, or medium, indicating how ready the body is for labor.
Importance of Cervical Checks
Cervical checks help providers make informed decisions about the labor process, such as:
Determining if labor is progressing normally.
Identifying any potential complications.
Assessing whether to continue with a natural birth or consider interventions (like induction or cesarean delivery).
Considerations
While cervical checks can provide useful information, they can also be uncomfortable. It's important for providers to explain the purpose and timing of checks to patients, ensuring that they feel informed and comfortable throughout the process.
You can always opt out of cervical checks if you do not want them.
