Surprising Facts About Cervical Exams Your Doctor Won't Tell You

[@birthtoolbox]

🎉FULL VIDEO 3 Things Your Doctor Doesn't Tell You About Cervical Exams kzbin.info/www/bejne/noS5ZWeBfM2qqsk

[@asmaismailee2789]

My hymen is intact and I told my doctor about it, after I have done cervix test, I saw blood . What does it mean? Please

[@liyah49]

I'm a birthing doula and this has been a big focus for me after the most recent birth I was asked to attend. I noticed every time the staff would come in to the hospital room and *tell* mom they were going to check her cervix, as they were doing it she would cover her mouth. It was very much so giving trauma response and it broke my heart to watch her like that. I feel like younger and especially first time parents struggle a bit more with being comfortable telling the care team "no". Possibly out of fear of retaliation or creating tension. (We'll designate that to childhood trauma and people pleasing.) Cervical checks do nothing but cure curiosity. Most of the time more for the providers. A recent webinar I attended focused on obstetric abuse paired with the fact that doctors involving themselves into birth is deeply rooted in patriarchal systems, sprinkle in lack of informed consent and decision making, top it with lack of empathy towards trauma... gives me a really good recipe for radical action as we as birth workers move forward helping birthing families obtain the proper knowledge they deserve.

[@birthtoolbox]

Great insight Liyah, thank you for sharing. I love your statement "cervical checks do nothing but cure curiosity".

[@muirgirl]

❤❤❤

[@alix-raeharding3685]

So helpful! I’m pregnant with my first and I have researched everything! I was offered a cervical check/sweep at my next appointment 38 weeks. Decided to do my research and I will NOT be getting checked.

[@birthtoolbox]

Yay!! I love educated and empowered women. ❤️❤️❤️Glad you are here!

[@pareeshaslaughter6798]

Okay I’m missing something……I’m currently 38 weeks and I had a cervix check three days ago….it wasn’t painful it was more so just pressure in my vagina. The doctor pushed two fingers in me as deep as she could it felt like and then a minute later it was over. 😂😂 she touched my babies head and she said I wasn’t open at all‼️……I got off the table got dressed and went back home to have cinnamon rolls. Then my baby started kicking and moving because we love cinnamon 🎉

[@aleksandragieralt7370]

​@pareeshaslaughter6798 different people have different experiences of cervical exams. Some women don't mind them at all, some find the awkward, some find them uncomfortable, some painful, and some excruciating. It depends on your muscles, nerves, and blood vessels in the area. Both your experiences are valid. As for membrane sweeps, my OB offers the sweep starting week 38, but she does not recommend or push for it. She said it was an option a large number of women want, so she offers it. However, these women often don't get the induction right away, since they prioritize women in active labor and women whose water has broke, and then women who are in week 41.

[@Party_Of_Eight]

I was 4cm dilated when I got checked. I told my midwife that I had the urge to push, she said I don’t. 6 minutes later my sons head popped out. I will forever decline cervical checks from now on. I also ended up with an infection as I had checks after my waters had broken.

[@birthtoolbox]

Thank you for sharing your story! I am so sorry that your midwife didn't belive you. When someone feels an urge to push you MUST believe them!!!

[@kristinezerebkina9383]

😮

[@kathleenyang3251]

I’m so sorry that happened to you! Thanks for letting us know!

[@the_artaholic_]

So we’re you contracting while getting checked ?

[@Party_Of_Eight]

@@the_artaholic_ yes, and it happened to me again in October. I was IN THE MIDDLE of contracting, and saying I had pressure. The doctor said to me that she needed to examine me because apparently my baby could have brain damage, ( I’ve had 3 previous c sections, so she was trying to scare me) Anyway, she proceeds to examine me, and gets angry when I tell her to take her hand out, it’s too much. Waters were still in tact, 2 minutes later, my son shoots out.

[@asiaswrldx]

i had a cervical exam for the first time yesterday and it was insanely painful. my pregnancy has been high risk for some months so i’ve had way more bloodwork than the average pregnant person and the needles were not nearly as painful as that exam . i was in the emergency ob unit at my hospital js to be monitored for a few hours and she offered to check because i was contracting a bit on the monitor i guess . she was already rough with the group b swab test which i don’t understand how u can be rough with a q tip but she checked my cervix and i screamed of pain and cried . i don’t know if she thought making jokes and snide remarks about me definitely needing a epidural because labor is way worse was going to lighten the mood but it only js made me even more sad and overwhelmed. i will never get another cervical exam again . that whole experience really ruined everything for me . i don’t even want to go to my ob appts anymore i don’t really care to do this anymore

[@birthtoolbox]

I’m so sorry that you had this experience. My goal of creating that video was to make more people aware of their options.

[@anthonyprieto3240]

I’m so sorry this happened to you it literally made me sad reading your experience. Praying for you!

[@VictoriaWilson]

With my first, I got a check because I just wanted to know how dilated I was. I wasn’t stressed about labor. I was 4cm …. And still pregnant for 3 more weeks 😮 it’s certainly an important intervention for parents to understand. I’m glad you made this video!

[@birthtoolbox]

WOW, Victoria. What a great example to show that it can't predict labor.

[@VictoriaWilson]

@@birthtoolbox I feel kind lucky honestly I had that first experience because it taught me that lesson very clearly!

[@moldyvoldy1231]

This makes me feel so much better. Im 39 weeks and ive been at 1cm since last week. I felt so disheartened hearing that feeling like im never going to go into labor on my own and facing an induction in a little over a week

[@birthtoolbox]

Crossing fingers that labor starts on its own for you! 🤞

[@josephsterlingcooper4515]

Cervical checks can also cause contractions based on my experience. Thanks for this information.

[@birthtoolbox]

Yes, thank you for sharing!

[@maki9396]

I've gotten contractions 2/3 times, then nothing happened

[@shellyld]

This is great information! Thank you! I would add that cervical sweep should always be discussed before it is done. I know some practitioners are still in the habit of not getting fully informed consent first.

[@birthtoolbox]

Great addition!

[@castroscorner8466]

I honestly did not mind any cervical checks during my monthly check ups until I got to hospital. I was induced and taking a little longer than expected to dilate. The nurse did a cervical check that left me traumatized. She stuck her fingers in me and stretched my cervix open, it was the most painful thing I have ever experienced. In fact I'd take Labour over that any day. It came out of no where and I was in a foreign country so we couldn't even communicate with each other. I let out a screech and she couldn't have cared less. Because of her, I will not allow any cervical checks next time around, unless it's absolutely necessary. Thankfully now I know they are optional. P.S I don't want to scare anyone with this post. Most nurses and doctors are very gentle. I think I just unluckily got a racist witch that day :(

[@birthtoolbox]

Thank you for sharing your experience. This sounds traumatizing. I am so sorry that you had that experience.

[@sophieshongz5893]

It's like you are talking about my experience today 😭😭,i am so traumatized and not even looking forward to labor,it was so painful and the doc didn't even alert me that he is doing it,just saw him putting a finger in and I cried so bad.

[@castroscorner8466]

@@sophieshongz5893 I'm sorry that happened to you too! But do not let that doctor ruin your experience. Labour is tough, but it is so worth it! I promise you, the excitement and adrenaline will make you forget about the hard part. So enjoy it! I love to relive that moment over and over again in my head and I was in Labour for 35 hours! :) Good luck and congratulations

[@anthonyprieto3240]

@@sophieshongz5893that’s considered rape. I hope you reported him. They need consent before touching you.

[@ruunheta]

Wait so the cervix check is done to stretch you?

[@strongmindset78]

So important to get it out there that a cervical exam does NOT predict the progress of the labor. It always breaks my heart to see a client panic when they think they are X far along and the exam reveals that dilation is less than "expected".

[@birthtoolbox]

YES, that can really mess with your head when the cervix isn't where you think it should be.

[@amazinglifeadventures]

This is what the Dr told me. No dilation after checking the cervix. Said it was tightly closed at 38+ weeks.. I'm very close to due date so a bit worried...😢

[@czarinabustamante]

Great video😊 I’m currently 38weeks with my third baby. Now I know what to ask in my next appointment 🤗❤️

[@birthtoolbox]

I am SO GLAD that you found the video beore your appointment! If you have a community or bump group that might benefit from the video, would you share with them? I am always trying to reach the people that need this information.

[@PrivateCommenter]

My antenatal class midwife was very clear about consent for this and that we do not have to do anything we don't want to. That we have the right to clarify why it is necessary and if there is another method to get the information they are seeking. She was great. Just to be informed of that alone was nice.

[@birthtoolbox]

So happy to hear!! And absolutely 👍

[@Swizzles89]

I wish this video had existed before I'd had my children. It's all true. I spent a lot of time feeling discouraged after being told that my cervix was closed week after week. Then I went into labor on my due date. I went to the hospital in a lot of pain with contractions 2 to 3 minutes apart. I thought, surely they'll tell me I'm dilated 4 to 5 cm. I was completely crushed to find out that I was still only 1 cm. I thought, how much worse is this going to get, am I that weak? In hindsight, I now know the pain didn't really get much worse and I went from 1 cm upon arrival to delivering my child within 6 hours! With my second, I went to the hospital with the exact same pain level and contractions 2 to 3 minutes apart again. I was fully expecting them to tell me I was 1 cm again and was shocked when the nurse said I was 5 to 6 cm. What I learned is that it does not matter if your cervix is closed. You could have your baby in a matter of hours. I also learned that the amount of pain you are experiencing doesn't really have much correlation to how dilated you are. My 2nd was delivered without an epidural and I found the pain to be directly related to the frequency of the contractions and not to how dilated I was. The only exception was that the pain increased during transition and pushing. Everything before that felt the same. So if anyone reads this, do not be discouraged by the numbers. For me, they pretty much meant nothing!

[@birthtoolbox]

Thank you for sharing your stories! They are great examples of how the body works and isn’t predictable. ❤️

[@impactfully5714]

I had one today at 38 weeks pregnant, which was unpleasant. I will pass on future checks.

[@birthtoolbox]

Good plan!!

[@annabethsimmons372]

Thank you for this! Ugh I’ve been dreading going for my first exam and I am currently 23 weeks. My mom said I would probably get a cervical check and I am against it. She thinks it extremely necessary. Made me feel guilty for not getting it checked. I felt bad for not wanting it just in case something was wrong but after watching this I am NOT getting one!

[@birthtoolbox]

You are so strong and your opinion is the one that matters. Don't feel guilty! You got this.

[@s.c.2424]

Are you stating they'll want to check you at 23 weeks? Because that's not a norm. Like at all. I apologize if I read that incorrectly if that isn't the case. But yes, you should always decline if you don't want one.

[@birthtoolbox]

I was wondering if it is the first prenatal appointment. In that case they do usually do an exam, but it is always your choice.

[@raining_trees]

Nurses have repeatedly offered me cervical checks. It's my first pregnancy and no one once warned me it could cause problems or bleeding. After I had it checked I had bleeding but it stopped. It's been two days and I'm still spotting here and there, as well as having period-like cramps. You'd think they'd warn you about this before offering it. I had to go to triage and they said "oh yeah that can happen sometimes" LIKE OKAY???? Why didn't you warn me about the risks then???? Now I can't find any answers for the spotting without wasting yet ANOTHER day in triage and I refuse. This is why I have so much broken trust with doctors and nurses.

[@birthtoolbox]

I am so sorry! You are not alone. I have heard this so many times and it's one of the reasons I was motivated to create this video. Not only is it not presented as optional, the risks are also not shared. Sending you a big hug.

[@raining_trees]

@@birthtoolbox thank you for being open and honest, God bless. So glad I found your channel

[@birthtoolbox]

I'm so glad you are here!!

[@sofiyakadwal6329]

Hi I m also facing same thing can uh plzzz tell when uh got labour pain after that??

[@raining_trees]

@@sofiyakadwal6329 I went into early labor weeks after that check. But if you get your cervix checked close enough to your due date it could put you into labor

[@birthtoolbox]

Do you have a story about the cervical exam? Please share!

[@amazinglifeadventures]

Had a cervical check at the hospital clinic this week & it was horrible & painful!! The Dr was too rough!!

[@birthtoolbox]

I'm so sorry! The technique can really vary from person to person.

[@amazinglifeadventures]

So true because my private Dr did the same thing last week & she was gentle so it wasn't so bad..

[@destinyscorner6142]

I literally just left the hospital and came home and this video came up. It’s crazy because my nurse literally just told me that I can say I don’t want to get checked. Was KZbin listening lol.

[@birthtoolbox]

Perfect timing!!

[@messengerbygrace_]

Thank you for this non biased video. Very helpful information. 👍🏾

[@birthtoolbox]

Glad it was helpful! Thank you for letting me know and thanks for visiting the channel. Hope you'll stay around for more!

[@YAH77723]

Totally agree

[@eatnplaytoday]

I rotate through multiple doctors and I guess luckily at my 38 the OB was very honest and said they can offer checks but it won’t predict labor and it’s uncomfortable. I said no… but then the next OB at 39 weeks was a bit pushier. I think I would prefer the non pushy doctors imo

[@birthtoolbox]

Love the non pushy doctors!! Thank you for sharing your story.

[@erikarod]

Binge watching all of your videos! Very helpful. I wish you offered your services in Texas. I had this done and honestly was so painful not knowing it was optional. I will keep this in mind since I'm almost 38wks. I wonder, is this any less painful if ur further along dialated?

[@birthtoolbox]

I'm so glad that you are finding helpful videos! Yes, it can be less painful after the cervix moves more anterior (towards the front of your body) I would love to help you out! I do offer private consulations if you are intersted supportingher.teachable.com/p/supportingher-birth-consultation-and-birth-plan-creation Those can be helpful setting up a strategy for labor.

[@mamunoz4498]

With my son, my midwife did a cervical check in the 36th week. 2/3 days later my water broke, however when she checked me, I wasn't dilated. Today doc checked me at 36 weeks 4 days and I wasn't dilated either but who knows maybe baby could come early too like my son did.

[@birthtoolbox]

Wishing you all the best! Thank you for sharing your story.😀

[@RaghupatruniPallavi]

Hey did he come early like your first one ?

[@mamunoz4498]

@@RaghupatruniPallavi No. I got induced

[@manisha8614]

​@@mamunoz4498 can I deny the cervix check when induced?

[@ClaireDeluz-oc3zh]

This video makes me glad I'm following you.

[@birthtoolbox]

Awwww, thank you Claire! I'm glad you are here too.

[@nataliefigueroa9631]

I had a Papsmear on Tuesday...I was 6 weeks pregnant and 3 days based on when my last period was. Pregnancy test and doctor visit confirmed I was pregnant. I was told before and after having the Pap done that it was normal, standard, and SAFE...and that spotting the next couple days would be normal. I started bleeding like I had my period coming down the very next day, and miscarried... doctor's keep saying it's not possible it could have been the Pap smear, despite this happening right after, and me being fine before having it done. I just don't know what to believe..I'm so angry and devastated.

[@birthtoolbox]

I am so sorry for your loss. Pap smears are normal and standard in early pregnancy, but I can totally understand your questions. Sending you a hug.

[@nataliefigueroa9631]

@@birthtoolbox do you know what studies have been done to really prove that? I’m seeing other women with very similar experiences to mine and it all can’t be coincidence.

[@birthtoolbox]

I'm sorry that I don't know of any studies to prove or disprove it.

[@eatnplaytoday]

I declined mine when I had my first prenatal. The doctor was really upset at me but whatever. lol. To me I felt even if I test positive, all they do is refer to more testing and even if those comes back positive, they will delay treatment until after pregnancy. So why get it during pregnancy? I told them to wait until after I give birth. But I’m low risk anyways, I’ve only ever been with my one husband and we are each other’s first 😅

[@Arreola0816]

I had a cervical exam with my first at 36 weeks and some days when I went to the hospital for blurry vision with spots, literally 1 hr after I started feeling some leaking, when I told the nurse she said “oh it’s just the gel that causes it to feel wet” I trusted her word, I then started leaking fluid all that week but it was just a little each day but I didn’t know it was my water until I went to my regular doctor visit that week, that day of my appointment I was leaking a lot more and they tested me for it, sure enough it was my water and had to go to the hospital to have my baby by then I had just turned 37 weeks

[@birthtoolbox]

Wow! That must have been a confusing and stressful week.

[@s.c.2424]

Honestly, 4 babies here and 1 due in 2 weeks. I find cervical checks just to be uncomfortable not painful. But my thing is, I do find them helpful. With baby 3, at 38 weeks, being told I was at 4 cm was comforting. Was that little excitement I needed to get through the painful nights. Baby 4, I would have not even known I was in full blown labor because the pain was so doable. I'd say if he hadn't told me I was 7cm then I wouldn't had time to get the sitter situated for the other kiddos. Delivered 3 hrs later and so thankful I made it on time vs had I not been checked I probably would have had baby at home/car. The only real thing I think women need to understand is don't allow checks to consume you and make you decide if you are doing a good job. Your body is going to do it's job. It may be slow as hell for a lot of mamas, but our bodies are pretty amazing and can throw out that baby when you least expect it. Lol I was always told likely hood of infection is low. So I'll take it. I also was told not to vbac ever because risks of rupture and so far I've vbac'd a few humans so I'm comfortable with low-risks.

[@birthtoolbox]

Thank you for sharing your experience and tips too! Wishing you all the best on your upcoming birth.❤️

[@hellosunshine5]

37 weeks 2 and 50% 38 weeks almost 3 and 65 39 weeks 3 and half and 70.. I had my boys at 37 weeks and I am 39 weeks tomorrow.. I scheduled an induction at 40 weeks but am dreading if and would really like for her to come on her own 😭

[@birthtoolbox]

I'm hoping for you Sara!

[@jacqueline755]

How are you doing?

[@michaelhorobin1268]

this does not happen in the UK all throughout the pregnancy even in labour you are asked and consent is sought

[@birthtoolbox]

That’s how it should be everywhere!

[@exe2396]

What about cervical checks at 14 weeks, Are they necessary? My history: I went into preterm labor, unknown causes, for my last pregnancy at 15wks.

[@birthtoolbox]

They might want to keep a closer eye on you due to your history.

[@mariavelazquez5484]

I had a cervix exam today and they told me my cervix was far back am 40 weeks

[@lydiahalb]

I had a cervical exam today at 40 weeks and the midwife couldn't reach my cervix to do a sweep. Cervix were too high and closed. Very disheartened as i have been doing lots of excersises to help with dilation and softening of my cervix. Feeling deflated :(

[@birthtoolbox]

I’m so sorry!!! You aren’t alone though. Many women are in that same spot at 40 weeks. Things can change at any time. ❤️

[@anthonyprieto3240]

If it was closed then that’s because they were able to reach and check 😮

[@avm4177]

I'm 13 weeks and 1cm short cervix.. what are the chances of a full term pregnant???? Thank you

[@birthtoolbox]

I am sorry that is something that I do not know the answer to. Please talk to your healthcare provider. Wishing you all the best.

[@avm4177]

I was diagnosed with short cervix at 20 weeks. I refused a cerclage.. Because my heart and intuition said so. I'm 34 weeks today.. baby and I are well. Follow your heart and take it easy.. Wether you get a cerclage or not. Studies show that more than 40% of of women with a short cervix, have a full term pregnancy and normal delivery. (Without intervention) ❤

[@exe2396]

⁠@@avm4177did you still receive bi weekly or monthly cervical checks? I’m just wondering as I’m 12wks and MFM suggested I get them until about 34-36 weeks.

[@helenukiri150]

I am 37 weeks and 3days today I was be exam they my cervix is thin,what do you think it will still open?

[@birthtoolbox]

Yes, it is common to not have change in the cervix until 40 weeks!

[@anitaanita2360]

I went to ER and they check my cervix with the speculum and fingers and I am 22 weeks. Can this cause any problem ?? I can’t find information at this time of the pregnancy and now I am worried..

[@birthtoolbox]

I don’t think this will cause a problem. I would let your doctor or midwife know during the next visit.

[@jessicanoble1834]

With our daughter, at 37 weeks I was told I was dilated 3cm and 100% effaced, very soft ripe cervix. I went 41 weeks 2 days until I went into labor… 🥴

[@birthtoolbox]

Great example of how the cervical exam can't predict labor. Thank you for sharing your story.

[@imeldababirye6117]

I am 38 weeks and just had a cervical exam yesterday, it’s now 15 hours past and I have seen a brownish discharge could it be because of the exam or it’s a show? Thank you

[@birthtoolbox]

Brownish discharge is very common after an exam.

[@imeldababirye6117]

@@birthtoolbox okay thanks a lot 🙏 point noted

[@birthtoolbox]

@@imeldababirye6117 good luck in your final days ahead!

[@imeldababirye6117]

@@birthtoolbox thank you 🙏

[@harshpinderkaur6613]

Hi @imelde babirye, how are you now? i had cervical exam today at 38 week and having bloody discharge

[@robertrogers074]

Congratulations on getting a editor.

[@birthtoolbox]

Thank you!

[@jadejade5303]

So you saying i can refuse to all the cervical exams when/if they offer at the hospital ??? Currently im 35week and possibly will get induction at 37th week due to big baby and gestational diabetes. I dont like the idea of cervical exam at all. I had one at 28th week and it was the most painful thing.

[@birthtoolbox]

Yes, you can! You might get pressured to have one, but it’s your right to refuse. Another option is to limit them to when a medical decision must be made. Definitely tell you care providers that you want as few as possible.

[@jadejade5303]

Thank you !

[@birthtoolbox]

You are welcome!

[@Loveandbeautyy23]

I really wanna break down in tears how I was treated like a piece of s*** yesterday I’m a first time mom and i never went through this before I’m 31 weeks and I felt pain so I had to get a cervical exam and she was so rough I’m so sore I couldn’t take it not only that she cussed me out and made me felt like I was nothing I will never ever get a cervical check ever in my life just because of that experience 😭😔💯 I really hate myself so much

[@birthtoolbox]

Oh no! I am so sorry to hear about this mistreatment. You do not deserve to be treated this way. Please don't be mad at yourself! You didn't do anything wrong. Is there any way thtat you can change doctors? I know that it seems difficult, but I have had many clients change doctors in their last few weeks of pregnancy.

[@Loveandbeautyy23]

@@birthtoolbox 🥺actually it was at the hospital I will let my dr know what happen since he has to deliver the baby there & also it was a woman dr that did it I hope she doesn’t be there when I have my baby .

[@birthtoolbox]

Definitely let them know your preferences. I’m thinking about you and hoping that you get the respect you deserve. ❤️Alice

[@Universe11.11Tarot]

am 41+ and am 1 cm

[@birthtoolbox]

Getting close!!

[@annamoua3782]

At my 35w appointment i was 2 almost 3cm dilated and 80% effaced. Ill be 37w tomorrow and still pregnant and still no sign of baby comming. 😅

[@birthtoolbox]

It's hard to predict, right?

[@maki9396]

I went from 75% effacement to 25% in a week. This baby's gonna need to be evicted 😂

[@birthtoolbox]

It is frustrating when the cervix doesn't seem to be progressing. Sometimes this is due to the person giving the exam. Did you have the same person check your cervix each time?

[@maki9396]

​@@birthtoolbox Different person each time :(

[@birthtoolbox]

That's what I was thinking. I have seen this a lot. Two different people give totally different exam results.

[@shawney08]

I had a cervical exam Monday afternoon 1cm 60% effaced my doctor told me nothing yet. I had my daughter Tuesday at 1012 pm aft my water broke at 845pm lol

[@birthtoolbox]

Wow, that sounds like a busy couple of hours!!!

[@sketchadoodle4526]

I hate women's health. It seems so backwards. Im 17 weeks pregnant and I declined a pap, pelvic, and breast exam at my first appointment. Im really sensitive right now to thouch, so no. No thanks. Im really nervous about the swab for strep and hope I can do it myself.

[@birthtoolbox]

Great work for advocating for yourself!