Out of interest...how do people know how dilated their cervix is?

Question

I ask because I'm a midwife from the UK and we don't routinely check cervical dilatation unless someone presents in labour.

Is your cervix assessed at every appointment past a certain gestation?

Thanks for the info in advance

Answer

My dr will do a check at 36 weeks and if you request one after they will but won't do it routinely as checking the cervix often can prolog the onset of labor.

Answer

My practice in NYC won't check till 40 weeks. It's really unnecessary to check as it doesn't actually mean much and has been linked to premature water rupture.

Answer

Where I live the doctor offers to check at every appt after 36w. We always opted out just to reduce risk of infection. Or if anything is off they'll check. I have an irritable uterus so they do have to check me every now and then to make sure I'm not progressing too early. I think it depends where you live.

Answer

I'm almost 37 weeks and my midwives have never checked. They have never even mentioned it actually.

Answer

My dr said he will not check me unless im having a lot of cramping

Answer

My doctor checked at 36 weeks and won't check again unless I ask her to.

Answer

I got checked at 35 weeks 2 days becuase i was complaining about pelvic pain so they wanted to make i wasnt dialating which i wasnt.  I have an appt again early next week ill be 37 wks 3 days i think i might have them check again, not sure if i should risk it tho. Ive heard it can lead to early labor if they poke around too much lol

Answer

My dr here in upstate ny check me every other visit unless i tell him i had a problem he started doin that once i turnt 31 weeks and also cause i an at risk for preterm labor im currently 34 +5 weeks im 3cm nd 60% effaced but stop there so they allowed me to come home

Answer

My doctor usually will check at 36 weeks. I got checked sooner and a few more times though because I've had frequent consistent contractions so she wants to know my progress.

Out of interest...how do people know how dilated their cervix is?

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