Making cervical checks less painful?

Question

I literally can’t handle the pain of the cervical checks. The nurse said my cervix is very posterior and hard to reach and that’s why it hurts. It brings tears to my eyes and I don’t know if there’s anything I can do to make them less painful? Dreading them more than the pain of childbirth.

Answer

Cervical checks are unnecessary unless you’re at risk of a preterm labor. My doctor offers them starting at 36 weeks, but is fine with me turning them down. People can be dilated at the same level for weeks, and others can go from 0-10 in no time, so it’s not a great indicator of when baby is coming. If there’s no medical concern and they’re just checking to see if you’re dilating, discuss opting out.

Answer

You can refuse them. The only thing they really do is increase the risk of infection

Answer

Refuse them. They are unnecessary.

Answer

Ask if they can wait a little longer in between checks

Answer

As a prior L&D nurse a trick I use to have patients do was to make fists with their hands and put them under their hips to tilt their pelvis forward slightly. A pillow or rolled towel works too. It can make your cervix easier to reach. Try also really focusing on deep breathing and relaxing as much as you possibly can when being checked. I know that’s easier said than done. And lastly like others have said you can decline cervical checks unless you are concerned about pre term labor and want/ need to know what is going on as far as dilation.

Answer

Like many have said, you can decline them. But if you’re like me you like to have as much information as possible and I always wanted to know where I was (I had a short cervix my first pregnancy and liked knowing how dilated I was because I was at risk for preterm delivery). Mine was a little bit difficult to reach as well, I started asking for a pillow or robe to put under my hips and tilt up my pelvis before they checked. It didn’t make it pleasant by any means but it was definitely more bearable. Just a suggestion if you do want, or need, to have the checks!

Making cervical checks less painful?

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