Cervical exams

I’m 39 weeks today, I didn’t get my first cervical check until last week (38)

I am not sure what is normal but I have gestational diabetes and I got checked at 36 weeks. She told me if I was dilated then she would be ok with inducing and if not that we should schedule a c-section. I’ve had previous GD and c-section.

My ob does them weekly starting at 36 weeks. I’m not there yet, but last pregnancy, it was basically just to confirm baby is head down and in a good position. They did tell me dialation & effacement but also said it didn’t really matter as it can start & progress at anytime.

I got mine at 37 weeks. My baby is measuring big, and my OB wanted to feel for my pelvic bones to see if a vaginal birth is going to be a challenge or not. Also, now that we know I am 3cm dilated, we now have a baseline to check if I need to go to L&D early, if I have progressed or not 🤗

I got mine at my 36 week exam with my midwife, which is when the office starts doing them. I was asked beforehand if I wanted one. I was closed then but I lost my mucus plug on Friday so we'll see if they do one today at my appointment.

@Amy ok interesting. I’m curious about the head down part because my midwife palpates baby and can tell position just from feeling my belly. Is there some advantage to cervical exams that docs can feel baby’s position with more certainty? Obviously knowing for sure is very important. Again just curious on different between the models of care since I am with a midwife.

Thanks 🙏🏻 for all the comments ladies. I admit I was not thinking of health complications or medical history that would make closer monitoring of body getting ready or not for labor that would make sense. I apologize if I seemed insensitive to anyones situation about it. Every body birth and baby are beautiful 🫶🏻

@Rachel it could totally just be me personally as feeling from the belly only gives them insight, but my uterus is kidney bean shaped (abnormal) so they have to be pretty thorough with me!

I’m with a midwife as well and my sister is with a hospital. They checked my sister at 37 weeks but when I asked my midwife she said they don’t check just bc they don’t want to be invasive/cause possible infection if not necessary. BUT this last Sunday I was 35wks and 6 days and was having contractions and a lot of pain in my lower back, hips, and I could just feel him lower in my pelvis. They went ahead and did a gentle cervical exam and found out I was 2cm dilated, 80% effaced, and baby is at a 0 station meaning he’s in my mid pelvis😳😳. I’m currently on bed rest and really need to make it to 37 weeks on Monday to be able to give birth at the birth center

My provider doesn't check until 38 weeks and they actually tell you it is optional, I was thinking the same thing last night!

My midwife checked me at 36 weeks but they’re super chill about you declining. I think it’s just standard to offer jt once you reach full term.

My midwife does them every week starting at 36 weeks, if I want them. I’m 2.5 cm and 70% effaced with a very low baby, she felt baby’s head during the exam! I think it’s totally your choice though! I chose not to get cervical exams with my first because I didn’t want the disappointment if I wasn’t dilated yet

I had one at 36w4d she was already down there doing the group b and another vaginal swab so she went ahead and checked. Since my appointment is in the afternoon for my 37w4d appointment I will probably decline

I refused all mine and won't be getting any until I start real contractions

I’ll be 37 weeks Sunday and I had mine checked today for dilation. I’ve been having contractions visible during the NST though so it made sense to look, and had tor group B strep test anyway

I had my first one 36w2days & I have dilated to a 1cm

I am 38 weeks tomorrow. Haven’t had a cervical exam yet despite my baby being breech. I am thinking they will do one tomorrow?

Had my 38 week appointment this morning with my midwife group. They said they start offering it now (38 weeks), if I would like one or not. Skipped today, but we'll see next week if I decide to. She told me some moms do it every visit and some never do it, just a personal preference.

I'm with a midwife as well and no cervical exams so far. Won't happen unless necessary in labour.

My doctor's office usually doesn't check until 36 weeks. They only check sooner if you're contracting a lot or have tons of pressure. They also don't force it on you either. I will be getting checked because I know once I reach 3cm I go into labor within 24 hours.

So many different experiences to learn about. Thank you for sharing ladies. This is helping me understand how many different circumstances there are for exams.

My OB let’s me choose after 36 weeks. I got one at 36 weeks just out of curiosity and was 1.5cm already but I probably won’t get another until it’s necessary since it doesn’t really change how they treat me lol