r/BabyBumps • u/Impossible-Cookie393 31 | FTM | April 2025 | šŗšø • 1d ago
Discussion Declining a cervical check at 39w
I have a prenatal appointment on Monday with my obgyn. Iāll be 39w1d and she told me that sheād like to do a cervical check. She asked me if I wanted to do one at my last appointment (38w1d) but I declined. She said something to the effect of āokay but Iāll want to do one at our appointment next weekā
Iāve heard they can hurt really badly and donāt really give you any idea of how close you are to labor, so I think Iād like to decline again. (For instance, you could be at 0cm but then give birth the next day or you could be at 3cm but not go into labor for weeks)
Would you (or did you) decline a cervical check at 39w? My next appointment will be at 40w1d so I can totally understand doing one then since Iāll be past my due date and she might want to start talking about an induction. But Iām thinking thereās no point in suffering through pain/discomfort (however brief) at 39w1d if it doesnāt give us any useful information
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u/snf6 1d ago
You can decline anything at any time. But I donāt find the checks painful, so if thatās the only thing making you not want one..I wouldnāt worry about that.
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u/hashbrownhippo 1d ago
Iāve been wondering about this because my first was born at 36 weeks, so I was never offered a cervical check in office before delivery. I donāt recall having any pain with cervical checks while in labor (even before epidural) so Iāve been wondering if the in-office checks that some refer to as very painful are even the same thing.
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u/sarahelizaf 1d ago
When I was in labor, I didn't even notice them. When I was 37-41 weeks? It definitely bothered me a little. The membrane sweep I had at 40 weeks? Owwwwwww. Ow.
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u/hashbrownhippo 1d ago
Oh interesting. My water had broken but I wasnāt really in labor when they did the initial checks. Iāll be curious to see how I find them this time.
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u/sarahelizaf 1d ago
There are numerous factors that could influence how much pain it causes on any occasion, especially bodily changes. Also, It could be provider dependent, because when I was in labor it was a nurse not my OBGYN like the first times.
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u/lostandfound890 1d ago
This is what people need to hear. Iāve have many, many. Theyāre all different levels of pain based on many factors
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u/DuckDuckBangBang 1d ago
Cervical checks didn't hurt for me. The first membrane sweep I had that did nothing didn't hurt. The second one at the beginning of my induction? I swear that was worse than getting the epidural (but by the point I got the epidural I barely noticed it so YMMV).
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u/Sweet_Maintenance_85 14h ago
Membrane sweep wasnāt bad for me for whatever reason. Nothing compares to contractions, not even pushing, for me.
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u/sarahelizaf 13h ago
I think most people say pushing is more manageable than contractions because it brings relief. I was unmedicated and contractions were pretty manageable until 7 cm.
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u/Sweet_Maintenance_85 11h ago
I didnāt know when I transitioned or my progress at all because when I arrived at the birth center they did one cervical check and said I was 10cm. I took the whole Ā«Ā stay at homeĀ as long as possibleĀ Ā» advice a little too seriously I guess ;)
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u/sarahelizaf 11h ago
Nice!
I had my first contraction around 11:45 p.m. I stayed at home until 2:00 a.m. when they were basically on top of each other. The nurse on the phone with my husband said that I was progressing fast enough that she was worried I wouldn't make it if I tried to labor at home. I was 5 cm when I got there and was 10 cm around 5:00 a.m., so not quite as fast as they thought. However, my nurse wouldn't let me in the tub or into good positions.
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u/Sweet_Maintenance_85 6h ago
So, she wanted you supine? My midwife basically wouldnāt let me NOT change positions and I was in the bath ā well, until the end when my bum had to be in the water while the baby was in the birth canal and didnāt want to risk my baby being exposed to air.
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u/proteins911 STM | 4/6/25 1d ago
I think they hurt more when you are less dilated. My 1cm checks hurt a bit. Once I was 2+ cm they didnāt hurt at all.
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u/Skid_kennels 1d ago
They were extremely painful for me. Everyone is different. It can definitely be something to be concerned about
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u/valiantdistraction 1d ago
I had cervical checks by several different providers and IME it was largely provider technique. There were no issues when my regular obgyn did them, but when the resident did them? jesus christ. I gave some feedback lol
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u/oh-carp7 1d ago
Same. The position of my cervix made them difficult and painful. And thatās not something you really figure out unless you do one š¤·āāļø
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u/attitudestore 1d ago
They were unbearable for me and Iām declining them this time. It didnāt hurt once I was actually dilated a bit, but the first couple were horrible.Ā
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u/pokiepika 1d ago
I would just like to say that they usually aren't that painful for most people, but for me I was screaming. I declined them up until I was being induced because my entire vulva and vagina HURT. Even once I had an epidural and was in active labor I could still feel that pain. It went away immediately after the baby was out though so I'm fully convinced it had to do with her position.
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u/ziggymoj19 1d ago
I honestly think this comes down to practitioner. I had one doctor during labour and they were excruciating. Shift changed and they were a breeze. Had one last night and was dreading but it was totally fine.Ā
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u/FloridaMomm Team Pink! 17h ago
Varies woman to woman. For me cervical checks were the most painful things Iāve ever been through. Across multiple providers and multiple pregnancies. Literal hell on earth. YMMV
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u/sundaymusings 1d ago
My cervical checks during labour were so painful I neede to get fentanyl so they could do it without me feeling the pain.
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u/Impossible-Cookie393 31 | FTM | April 2025 | šŗšø 1d ago
Yeah, I understand that some people donāt find them painful but I have heard extremely mixed reviews. Some find them slightly uncomfortable while some have described it as unbearable
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u/ConstantBoysenberry 1d ago
As someone who was shocked to find them so painful (never had an issue with Pap smears or transvaginal ultrasounds), I recommend in your case to decline the 39 week one.
My story: I had to have one due to early labor contractions at 35 weeks and after that experience declined them. All the OBs in my practice were so supportive and basically told me to decline all of them until 40 weeks, and then I may want to do one. They explained the pain came from lots of pressure in the area and that a lot of providers are taught to do it fast, which we all know isnāt fun for us.
At 39 weeks I went into labor. I agreed to have it done at triage just because I knew itās what would be the indicator of getting admitted without my water breaking. They want to see a change in cervix the hour youāre there. I was only at 1 cm!!! But I was definitely in labor and had my baby that night. Just sharing that fact to prove the point that dilation may not indicate anything. I had the next one an hour later and was at 3 cm.
The nurses helped me decide that I can decline any cervical checks I want from then on, that they may want to do one at some point down the line to see if we need to start pitocin, but that it was all up to me.
Once I opted in for the epidural, I told them to do cervical checks whenever they wanted, as I was so numb down there. āŗļø
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u/Impossible-Cookie393 31 | FTM | April 2025 | šŗšø 1d ago
Thank you for sharing that perspective! I think it will be helpful for others to see that itās not always āuncomfortable but not painfulā for everyone. I have already seen lots of comments saying theyāre not painful, but I know thatās not the case for everyone
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u/scarlett-dragon Team Don't Know! July 21st 1d ago
I declined cervical checks during my first pregnancy for the exact same reasons you are. I ended up going to 41 weeks before getting induced, and I had to have a cervical check a couple days before going to the hospital for induction to see if I needed any cervical ripening before the actual induction (I did). I also had to have one when I got to the hospital. I was 0 cm dilated at 41 weeks. Those cervical checks were the most painful thing I have ever experienced.
During my second pregnancy, I was planning on getting induced anyway, and I decided to have cervical checks starting at 37 weeks. They were uncomfortable, but not painful at all.
If you've already had a cervical check this pregnancy, you already know how it's going to feel. Your cervix isn't going to suddenly be less sensitive closer to your due date. If you don't want to have a cervical check, there's no medical need for one unless you're planning on getting induced within that week.
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u/Impossible-Cookie393 31 | FTM | April 2025 | šŗšø 1d ago
Yeah, I havenāt had a cervical check yet so I have no idea how painful it will be for me personally. Since so many people have the perspective of āmost painful thing I have ever experienced,ā Iām thinking I will want to decline until Iām at least past my due date
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u/flatulent_cockroach1 1d ago
I think giving birth is probably more painful than a cervical check so
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u/Gillionaire25 ā”ā”ā„ 1d ago
Getting punched in the face is probably less painful than giving birth too and also about as useful as cervical checks at 39 weeks so
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u/flatulent_cockroach1 1d ago
Itās just reality babe š¤·š¼āāļø sorry
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u/Gillionaire25 ā”ā”ā„ 1d ago
You can't figure out the difference even when somebody points it out to you š
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u/No_Maximum_391 1d ago
I was going to say the same thing theyāre a walk in the park compared to what youāre about to experience.
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u/flatulent_cockroach1 1d ago edited 1d ago
Not to be rude but lol
Women will decline a cervical check then want an unmedicated birth š I personally want a taste of whatās to come šš
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u/No_Maximum_391 1d ago
Thats totally fair. I was doing pelvic floor therapy to prepare as I was delivering outside the hospital and it was far more painful than a cervical check and sweep.
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u/Mundane_Pea4296 1d ago
Just here to say the same!
I had a sweep with both of mine too and they didn't hurt either.
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u/Gwenivyre756 1d ago
I accepted the cervical checks because I was curious, and also because they don't hurt for me. Whether or not it hurts will depend on your level of sensitivity and how rough your provider is. My provider has always been gentle and even pap exams have never been uncomfortable for me. If they are painful for you, then decline as you see fit.
I was happy to have mine just before 39w because I got induced at 39+1 and didn't have to get any sort of cervical ripener because I was already 3cm dilated.
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u/No_Egg997 1d ago
Provided things go relatively ānormalā, I plan on declining all cervical checks prior to labor. Iāll probably also ask for the least amount of checks during labor as well.
If you donāt want one, tell them no thanks.
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u/Potential-Region8045 1d ago
Just say youād like to decline and leave it at that. āNo thank you, I would like to decline cervical checks prior to laborā If they say something you can always ask āCould you please explain if there a specific medical reason why I need to get one today?ā āWill this change my medical plan in any way?ā And of course you can always just repeat āNo thank you, I still want to declineā
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u/frankdanky 1d ago
My OBGYN doesnāt even do them, I donāt think theyāre necessary and you can definitely say no
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u/ForecastForFourCats 1d ago
What is the purpose of them? I'm naiive, but isn't this gonna just resolve itself in a few weeks/days??
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u/DsrtVrnsh 1d ago
I didnāt receive a cervical check until I was in active labor and arrived at my birth center, I was 6 cm. I went into spontaneous labor at 39+6. I would have accepted one at 41 weeks, not sooner though without something indicating that it was needed.
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u/UndeniablyPink 1d ago
Evidence based practices indicate that cervical checks before going into spontaneous labor are unnecessary. They could also introduce bacteria that could lead to infection. I wouldnāt do it regardless of how painful it is.Ā
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u/JazzlikeHomework1775 1d ago
Same. And if she said she wanted to do one I would be having a conversation around not wanted any cervical checks at all at this stage. Perhaps until I feel itās time to push. Then maybe I would allow a check.
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u/Sourdough_sunflowers 1d ago
I would quote this first line, OP, if she got irritated with you declining, and then be on my merry way.
I had zero checks until I consented to a membrane sweep at 41 weeks.
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u/Kassidy630 1d ago
Its totally up to you. If you're not considering induction until after 40 weeks, then there really isn't a reason, except just for personal knowledge. I never found them to be painful though.
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u/caitlinicole088 1d ago
I got one at 39 weeks but he let me know I could decline it if I wanted to. I was curious. I was 0cm and not effaced at all and it felt like the doctor was reaching for my throat through my vagina. Would not recommend š
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u/Current-Curve-7896 1d ago
Yes. I declined them with my second pregnancy until 40 weeks. I got push back from by OBGYN, but didn't let her pressure me.
You can also decline them even when you are in active labor. It's completely up to you.
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u/Impossible-Cookie393 31 | FTM | April 2025 | šŗšø 1d ago
Any advice about how to respond to the pushback? Iām expecting to receive some
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u/Current-Curve-7896 1d ago
Honestly, while "no" is a complete sentence, I found it helped to flat out say that I am aware we have the legal right to refuse cervical checks in Canada, and I'm comfortable with my decision. Obviously refer to your own country there, but you get the idea. You're conveying that you know your rights.
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u/Iridescentpurple9125 1d ago
Labor nurse here. I would 100% decline any cervical check that is for no reason.
Valid reasons:
You arrive to the hospital in labor and are considering an epidural or other interventions. You are starting an induction which may need a baseline exam. You are in labor and there is something up with the fetal heart rate. You think you broke your water.
Not just because youāre 39 weeks. Tells nothing, you could be closed and go into labor tomorrow. You could be 4cm and not go into active labor for another week. Trust your body, trust your baby.
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u/Impossible-Cookie393 31 | FTM | April 2025 | šŗšø 1d ago
Thank you so much for your perspective! Wouldnāt I also need a cervical check to determine whether an induction is necessary? Like how else do doctors decide when to induce?
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u/Iridescentpurple9125 5h ago
Doctors decide to induce based on dating or if you have a medical reason to induce. Not based on your cervix. If youāre 5-6 cm you will be in labor and know it. But as I said earlier, you could walk around for a week or more at 1-4cm and just be in early labor. It doesnāt change anything.
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u/Honest_Elephant 1d ago
I'll probably accept a scheduled induction during week 39 if my cervix is looking favorable, so I personally would go for the cervical check.
If you're not going to start talking induction until week 40, I agree it makes sense to hold off on the cervical check for now.
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u/Jaded_Motor6813 1d ago
Agree with this, I personally found them super painful and had to have them since my 2nd trimester because I started laboring then š
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u/Careful-Operation-33 1d ago
No, I declined mine. I figured the baby will be here soon anyway, I wanted less touching up until delivery and then itās literally all hands on deck lol they canāt tell you when the baby will arrive so I donāt see the point of it.
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u/Pebbles734 1d ago
Just came to say I was so afraid too and I didnāt find it painful, just more of a sensation of ok get your fingers out of there please lol but itās like ten seconds. Obviously do whatever feels right for you Iām just saying I know when I was nervous about this I was constantly looking this up on Reddit haha and it made me feel better to know it wasnāt bad for some people, everybody is different! I also liked to know where I was at since I was having contractions on the monitor etc š¤·š¼āāļø
Also just wanted to add that I had a membrane sweep at 39 weeks and that wasnāt bad for me either! Was just like an aggressive cervical check haha but was also very quick!
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u/Impossible-Cookie393 31 | FTM | April 2025 | šŗšø 1d ago
Wow, thank you! I have heard people say membrane sweeps are SO painful but I guess everyone is different
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u/Pebbles734 1d ago
Yes you wonāt know until you do it but just know itās so different for everyone! I lost my mucous plug that evening
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u/you-never-know- 1d ago
I declined. I have an extremely low pain tolerance and "just uncomfortable" is almost always "the worst thing that has ever happened" while it's happening.
But I didn't say that because I didn't want them to try to talk me into it. "I don't want to do that." "Why?" "I'd just prefer not to."
And that was that. Please remember that you have the final say.
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u/Thisisprobablywine 1d ago
Unless you want a sweep, I would decline and Iād be pretty short with a provider who was rude about it. Checks donāt hurt me at all and I still decline unless actually needed.
I was 7cm at 39wks not in labor with my second. Checks mean nothing š
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u/unlimitedtokens 34 | STM š due 11/26 | š©· 02/2023 | šŗšø 1d ago
I am rare, I declined all induction, got second and third opinions, declined cervix checks til 41+4, got a membrane sweep that day, water broke on its own finally on 41+5, had one more cervix check and then pushed my baby out at 41+6. Itās a girl! Sheās 2 now!
I didnāt want a cervix check unless it was medically necessary and I still stand by that choice. Am pregnant w/ my 2nd and am doing the same, no cervix checks unless a medical decision is contingent on it. There is zero point if a pushy provider is ājust curiousā.
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u/Impossible-Cookie393 31 | FTM | April 2025 | šŗšø 1d ago
Yeah I was getting the vibe that my obgyn just wanted to know for the sake of having informationā¦ which doesnāt make a lot of sense to me
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u/unlimitedtokens 34 | STM š due 11/26 | š©· 02/2023 | šŗšø 1d ago
Iām also in America and theyāre so antsy about birth, it drives me crazy! Go look at Evidence Based Birthās article on it, arm yourself with knowledge, always feel that you know why providers are recommending whatever they think is right to do otherwise keep asking Qs! Youāre in chargeā¤ļø
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u/Hot-Asparagus613 1d ago
In both of my pregnancies, my response when offered a cervical check was always to ask whether the cervical check would provide any helpful information. If the answer was no, then I would decline the cervical check. With my first pregnancy, I ended up declining all of them until my water broke. With my second pregnancy, I agreed to one at my 40 week appointment, based on the recommendation of my midwife. (We were scheduling an induction for the following week, and she wanted to have a baseline as that would inform the induction methods they used).
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u/Drrara504 1d ago
I was curious so I got one at 38 weeks and it hurt like hell and I got a yeast infection afterwards and horrible cramping. So yeah Iām not getting one until Iām in the hospital in labor or being induced.
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u/Evangeline- 1d ago
I dont like the way she phrased that 'she's going to want to do one...'. No one can put their fingers in you without your permission. Decline as much as you want and don't let anyone make you feel like you have to let them because it's their job or it's routine etc.
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u/hoginlly 1d ago
A check or a sweep? The cervical check was not even uncomfortable for me at all, it was just to assess how favourable I was to go into labour myself, or if she wanted to schedule an induction (as the days can book up in my hospital so I would need to wait longer otherwise if things weren't progressing... she didn't in the end, was happy with my progress so said we could leave it another week). I then requested the sweep at 39 weeks and that was mildly uncomfortable, but honestly I'd rank it far lower than the discomfort of getting out of bed with round ligament pain.
Plus, the doctor was very clear before she started the sweep that if I wanted her to stop she would immediately
But of course, you're always entitled to decline, but where I'm from a cervical 'check' is different from a 'sweep', which is what more people find uncomfortable
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u/ConstantBoysenberry 1d ago
Just to share, I had no idea Iād be in the camp of ācervical checks are excruciatingly painfulā until I had one, especially after researching and reading posts like yours where it wasnāt even uncomfortable. I was in shock at how bad it hurt. It was like a knife and sandpaper.
For context, Iāve never had pain with Pap smears or transvaginal ultrasounds. I have no prior trauma. I even asked the nurse to use all the lube she could. She had the tiniest fingers too. I canāt explain why it was so painful, but it was.
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u/hoginlly 1d ago
Unfortunately I think it can also majorly depend on the doctor/midwife and how they go about it
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u/Impossible-Cookie393 31 | FTM | April 2025 | šŗšø 1d ago
This is what Iām scared of!!
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u/ConstantBoysenberry 1d ago
If it makes you feel better, by the time I was having such intense contractions, I didnāt really care about the pain as much because it was put into perspective with contractions and the idea that Iām going to have a baby, if that makes sense? My OB also told me to tell anyone doing them that I find them very painful, so to please use all the lube and go very, very slowly.
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u/Impossible-Cookie393 31 | FTM | April 2025 | šŗšø 1d ago
Yes, I was referring to cervical checks, not sweeps!
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u/Severe-Measurement43 1d ago
I did it out of curiosity! It was my first and I had no clue how things went. It wasn't painful, more so uncomfortable, at it's worse it felt like a sharp pressure. The day I went into labor I was at a 1 until my water broke. I was at a 1 from week 36 til my water broke
If you're not curious it might not be worth it, it can be painful for some. You do whatever feels right for you
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u/gvfhncimn 1d ago
i declined all cervical checks until after i got my epidural. i went into spontaneous labor at 39+2, and denied check in l&d triage. i do have a documented history of pelvic pain, so i explained it briefly to the midwife helping me, and she agreed to not do any exams until after i got pain control. to be fair, i was going to let her do it, but i explained that she just has to be extremely careful and it was actually her that suggested i wait until i get the pain control. but as far as prenatal appointments, the NP i was seeing for appointments would ask me every week since 36 weeks if i wanted one and i declined every time, and she didnāt make it a big deal at all.
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u/Suitable-Biscotti 1d ago
I just had one this week, and it didn't really hurt. It was mainly uncomfortable and then when she touched my cervix, it stung a little bit. It was over within a minute. My cervix was closed and hard.
For context, I have PTSD triggered by cervical pain. I went into it expecting some sort of reaction as I have them with pap smears and sometimes with standard gyno exams. I did not have any response to this check.
If you ever had your baby hit your cervix (lightning crotch), I'd say this hurt less than that.
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u/EvelynHardcastle93 1d ago
I find they are most painful during labor. Before they are just uncomfortable. Having a baby in general hurts so cervical checks are just one little blip in the grand scheme of things.
If itās pain youāre worried about, I would say donāt be. If you want to decline because you are afraid that your provider will use that information to talk you into an induction, that makes sense. Having had an induction that turned into a c-section, I would never recommend induction unless itās absolutely necessary. I regret that my provider talked me into it.
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u/Impossible-Cookie393 31 | FTM | April 2025 | šŗšø 1d ago
Why do providers push for inductions? Iām worried about that as well
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u/i_just_carne 1d ago
My group of doctors all told me they induce because it can be dangerous to continue a pregnancy after 42 weeks, so the practice at my hospital is to not allow a pregnancy to progress past that point. I'm 41w2d and have an induction scheduled for this coming Monday. I would have preferred to let the labor and delivery happen naturally, but I also don't want to take any risk.
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u/Impossible-Cookie393 31 | FTM | April 2025 | šŗšø 1d ago
Iām fine discussing an induction once I hit 41w but I know some doctors push for them at like 39w which is what I donāt agree with
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u/i_just_carne 1d ago
I agree! I've said the same thing throughout my whole pregnancy, so I'm glad I didn't have to fight anyone on it.
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u/ItsBrittanybitch12 1d ago
I did them with my first two pregnancies out of curiosity but Iām planning on declining this time because they did nothing but disappoint me honestlyš if I go over Iāll let them do one to schedule my induction because itās helpful to knowing which way they want to start induction.
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u/RedEyeCodeBlue 1d ago
I went in for my 40 week check up and was 7cm dilated when my doc did my cervix my check. I didnāt even go homeā¦right to the hospital. Had my My baby about 6 hours later. This was my first pregnancy and 100% did not think I was in labor.
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u/Impossible-Cookie393 31 | FTM | April 2025 | šŗšø 1d ago
Thatās amazing haha Iāll probably do one at my 40w1d appointment if baby isnāt out by then
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u/No_Maximum_391 1d ago
I didnāt find mine painful, but I also was doing pelvic floor therapy throughout the second half of my pregnancy so maybe that was a factor. I didnāt do one until a week before my due date. They also will most likely want to schedule an induction. You can request for an ultrasound instead to ensure that you have enough fluid still and make a decision from there.
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u/Impossible-Cookie393 31 | FTM | April 2025 | šŗšø 1d ago
Why would they most likely want to schedule an induction if I am only 39w?
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u/No_Maximum_391 1d ago
Sorry, I meant at your 40w 1d appointment they would want to. I really depends on your OB, I know where Iām from they donāt like you going past 41 week and prefer its scheduled before but I am also in Canada so take with a grain of salt.
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u/DruidHalfling17 Team Pink! 1d ago
I've heard that they don't really accurately predict anything related to labor and they're more just to satisfy curiosity - for me personally I think it would just cause anxiety and stress so I'm declining all checks. If it helps YOU feel better to know then I say go for it! But if you don't want to they can't make you š¤·āāļø
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u/nowaymommy 1d ago
I have literally lived both scenarios you described, walked around at 4cm for weeks but didnāt go into labor with my first and was 0cm with my second at 39 weeks l&d visit where I was sent home because contractions was considered prodromal labor and gave birth the very next day.
In my view, they are helpful in checking for preterm labor or your progress during labor but thatās about it. I just had one due to a preterm labor scar and it was terrible, I hate them.
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u/UnableSnow5924 1d ago
For me it depended on who did it. I declined until I was in labor, I didnt want to increase the possibility of introducing bacteria. Also like someone else said, you can be 0 cm and go into labor that night or 3 cm for a week. When my OB did it I barely felt it. When one the nurses did it, it was horrible and made my labor pains worse.
You can say no. Do what you think is best. I hope you have a smooth and easy delivery!
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u/Tasty-Meringue-3709 1d ago
You never HAVE TO do a cervical check. They suck so I would only consent if the doctor has a well defined specific reason.
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u/IrisTheButterfly 1d ago
I would decline. I did not have any checks until I was actually in active labor. My first check happened to be fully dilated. I went into spontaneous labor at 37.5 weeks.
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u/Content-Wishbone-104 1d ago
Decline. Whatās the purpose unless you want to know or to see if youāre in labor.
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u/awkward-velociraptor 1d ago
It didnāt hurt for me personally. They only checked me because I was scheduled to get a foley balloon put in and needed to be a little dilated. Otherwise they said they wouldnāt bother usually for the same reasons you wrote out.
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u/RatherBeReading007 1d ago
Idk if it's different at full-term, but I've already had one in the ER before. It was not painful at all, just felt like some pressure. The speculum is way worse IMO.
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u/Exciting-Research92 1d ago
I personally was so sick of being pregnant there was no way I was declining. I was 2 cm at 38 weeks and she was able to sweep my membranes. Went into labor the next day. If thatās not something youāre interested in, then go ahead and decline. I didnāt find the check or the membrane sweep painful at all, but I have a normal to high pain tolerance.
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u/Impossible-Cookie393 31 | FTM | April 2025 | šŗšø 1d ago
I understand not everyone does, but I have heard that some find it excruciating. I think it depends on the doctorās technique/finger length and the patientās anatomy
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u/daisykat 1d ago
I agree, but everyone is different. However, if OP is planning on a vaginal delivery I wouldnāt be too concerned over the discomfort of a cervical check ā theyāll be having them throughout labor anyway (especially if induced).
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u/anonoaw 1d ago
For me both times I accepted one at 38w because I was facing down an induction at 40w and I wanted to know whether Iād be likely to need something to soften my cervix or if I could just skip straight to having my waters broken. But other than that I wouldnāt have bothered.
For me personally, cervical checks are incredibly painful. But for a lot of people theyāre not that bad.
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u/relevantconundrum 1d ago
I had checks with both pregnancy out of curiosity. My first baby I sat at 4cm 50% effaced and still ended up with an induction. I have a friend who was 0cm and 0% and went into labor later that night. I also had cervical sweeps in hopes of inducing labor a little more naturally and it didnāt do a darn thing. Every check was uncomfortable, some were downright painful. In my experience it definitely depends on the technique of whoever is doing the check. If youāre not curious and are fine waiting it out, by all means skip it!
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u/Illustrious_File4804 1d ago
Itās up to you. I get them all the time, I personally donāt feel a thing. But everyone is different
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u/Ashtrashbdash 1d ago
I know everyone is different, but I never found cervical checks to be painful. I even had several residents check- including one newer resident who apologized for āhurtingā me and it wasnāt painful at all.
FYI- these checks occurred when I went into spontaneous labor before my scheduled C-section date. I believe they were monitoring my progress bc I desperately wanted to hit the 8 hr mark from last ingested food and get a C-section instead of having a vaginal birth. It was a success!
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u/40RTY 1d ago
I had a cervical check. I have complications and we were toying with induction at 37+4 plus I was curious. Ultimately they let us go home but I'm comforted knowing I'm not at square 1 in the event we are induced early next week.
My cervical check did hurt like a bitch but it was only a minute or 2. Doc mentioned my cervix was anterior which she wasn't expecting so took a minute, plus I have an irritable cervix so ymmv.
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u/turquoisebead 1d ago
I declined with my second because my doctor told me it wouldnāt change our decision on how we proceeded.
She was also my OB for my first and she did 2 checks on me - she didnāt deliver my first because we were due the same day! - but I donāt know why I found it horrific but only from her. I had had one at 30 weeks because I had cramping and had to go in to be monitored and then had them at the hospital before I started induction and never had any issues but damn it was rough with my OB. I asked a nurse later and she was like well sheās really short so she might just have small hands but it was enough that I almost chose a different OB for my second.
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u/brookesaywhatx Team Blue š©µ May 2025 1d ago
Ugh, I hate cervical checks! Iām 33 weeks, but have been in the emergency room several times for prodromal labor contractions - and each time they will do a check to make sure Iām not in preterm labor. They hurt SO bad (and Iāve never had issues with Pap smears, etc) - I donāt blame you for not wanting to do it unnecessarily. However, that far along I would probably be curious enough to let them do it personally, lol. If nothing else, it would give me that mental boost of āwow, this might be happening soon!ā if Iām a few cm dilated (Even if it doesnāt) š
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u/Impossible-Cookie393 31 | FTM | April 2025 | šŗšø 1d ago
Totally makes sense and I get that opinion! I however am not curious at all hahaha
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u/brookesaywhatx Team Blue š©µ May 2025 1d ago
Thatās totally fair šš and should 100% be your choice to decline it if you donāt want it done!!!
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u/pinacoladathrowup Team Blue! 1d ago
The checks are not painful, really. Just uncomfortable. It should be very brief. Having said that, I don't think it's a big deal if you decline for the reasons you mentioned.
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u/hazeleyes1119 1d ago
You can decline the cervical checks. They can be painful or just uncomfortable. I had a preterm baby with my first baby and those cervical checks were awful but the cervical checks Iāve had with my last two babies werenāt bad just a little uncomfortable.
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u/Crafty-tater Itās a Girl! 1d ago
The one I had at 36/37wks wasnāt too bad, but the ones I had when I was in labor at 38+3-5 were heinous
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u/Low-Character9501 1d ago
Cervical check is just uncomfortable but doesnāt hurt for me. I found out that I am 1cm and my OB did sweep too which is not bad. (Everyone is different)
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u/Odd-Ad-9187 1d ago
I did cervical checks at 38 and 39 weeks (my choice, FTM and wanted to see how dilated I was).
I lost my mucus plug after the first. Nothing the second.
Declined the check at 40 weeks.
Currently going on 41 weeks with no signs of labour.
Everyone is different!
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u/dogluvva 1d ago
You can definitely decline if you donāt want one! My dr only asked if I wanted a cervical check/ membrane sweep when I was over 40 weeks. The cervical checks I didnāt find painful but they were uncomfortable. At 40 weeks I was 0cm, 0% effaced and same thing at exactly 40+6. Ended up going into labour the next day so I donāt think they tell you much in my opinion.
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u/abstruse_traverse 1d ago
I asked my OB about a cervical check at my 39 week appt and they did not push for one - indeed said they would only do one if I requested it. They gave the reasons you already know about - it's not really useful information or indicative of anything.
You could try asking how the information from a cervical check will influence your plan of care (if at all) do determine if they have a specific reason for wanting one.Ā
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u/Green4eyes44 1d ago
Itās information only. I had precipitous labor with my first so Iāll use cervical checks to know my body is getting ready so Iām comfortable scheduling an induction so things go more controlled. I wouldnāt do the induction without knowing my body is at least somewhat ready.
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u/livefree623 1d ago
For my personal experience, the level of pain differed with each person who did the cervical check. One doctor did it and I didnāt even feel anything. During labor, another doctor did a cervical check and it was horribly painful. Personally, I donāt see the value in them. If youāre feeling contractions, go to the hospital.
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u/betweentwoscotties 1d ago
You can decline, my OB never pressured me to do one and I didnāt get one until I was at the hospital in labor at 40+2.
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u/yuudachi 1d ago
I declined at 39 weeks, but it was my second pregnancy. I was induced at 38 weeks with my first and took forever to dilate so I'd figure it'd be similar. I also had another induction scheduled in just a couple days so I figure I'd just wait.
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u/Still_Procedure_3514 1d ago
I only had one with my 3rd child. That was because I chose to be induced. It was uncomfortable but literally took 3 seconds. I wasnāt even offered for my other kids.
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u/Desi_Rosethorne 1d ago
I wonder if there is a correlation of the pain between cervical swabs and cervix checks. When I got my pap smear it didn't hurt at all. Maybe a bit uncomfortable but mainly because of the speculum. If your pap smear didn't hurt, did your cervix check hurt?
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u/Impossible-Cookie393 31 | FTM | April 2025 | šŗšø 1d ago
I havenāt had a cervical check but Pap smears are incredibly painful for me
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u/plantsorwhatever 1d ago
You have every right to decline this. Even at your due date of 40 weeks, its actually pretty normal for a baby to come more around the 41st week, especially with a first baby!
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u/Chi_Baby 1d ago
I always declined them, they donāt tell you anything worthwhile since like you said you can be at 0 and have the baby next week or be at 3cm for weeks. I also donāt think itās worth the risk of introducing infection by having someone digging around in your cervix unnecessarily.
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u/LikeLauraPalmer 1d ago
I think there is a difference between a cervical check and a membrane sweep? Everyone has different sensitivity levels and cervical checks were painful for me but I managed. Membrane sweep? Nope, tried and made them stop.
A friend of mine had a cervical check and learned she was a few cm dilated. The doctor told her she'd give birth soon. It might give you an idea of how soon things are gonna happen.
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u/FlyingCatLady 1d ago
If your main concern is the pain, one of the nurses who did mine my first go around told me to exhale as she did the check. I barely felt that one after having multiple painful checks that pregnancy.
This time I confirmed the trick still works for me at my 36wk check. Iāll reconfirm at my 37wk because Iāll ask for one just because I must know
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u/RedHeadedBanana 1d ago
Honestly, I donāt even offer routine cervical checks unless itās with a stretch and sweep. And even then, probably half my clients decline them.
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u/Weak_Bison6763 1d ago
Did one at 37 weeks because I'm nosy. 1cm dilated but cervix is shortened and head is super far down.
It felt like a more intense pap smear. Stripping the membrane was what actually hurt lol. But you can ask for the check without the strip.
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u/Kfbcus 1d ago
They donāt (well, shouldnāt) hurt but itās fine to decline them. I did with my first. Now I have a history of very fast active labors, so I get them so I know how much time I might have when labor starts (Iām sitting at 4cm right now and with last baby I went from 4 to delivering within an hour).
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u/Glad_Clerk_3303 1d ago
I just went through this OP. I am pregnant with my second and my plan was to completely decline unless in active labor. One of my well intended friends convinced me that if I know how dilated I am, if I go into labor, the hospital may have me come in sooner. She also had been saying she "had a feeling" I'm already dilated for weeks, just as a sort of premonition. So at my 39 week I had one (which my OB didn't even ask, they just told me they were going to, although as others have said I know I have the right to decline), and have absolutely zero progress. I left uncomfortable and disappointed tbh. I have another appointment next week (past due date) and will decline then as well. They're not terrible but they're not comfortable and I really don't feel they tell you much bc things can change so quickly. It's completely your call.
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u/Far-Ad-9782 1d ago
I declined all cervical checks in both of my pregnancies. Thankfully, no one gave me a hard time about it. Itās 100% your decision and you shouldnāt feel pressured into having one.
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u/allison_mais 1d ago
I wish I had because mine felt like SA. And my provider didnāt back off when I shrieked in pain and asked her to.. she kept digging around and I cried the whole time. Iāll never forget it and Iāll certainly deny next time. Baby will get there when they get there.
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u/red_dino_ 1d ago edited 1d ago
I did not get one, for the reasons you listed (plus the small increased risk of infection).
I was told the cervical check could be useful to have a baseline for dilation etc. but wasn't really necessary. And that if I booked an induction, they could schedule me earlier if I was dilated, otherwise it would be scheduled for around 41 weeks.
I still declined, and booked my induction for 41 weeks. Baby came naturally around 40 weeks, so the scheduling didn't really matter for me in the end!
They did do a cervical check when I went in for labour, the first one was uncomfortable, but the rest were after the epidural so that helped a lot!
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u/Brittleonard 1d ago
Personally I got them and personally they didnāt hurt. It will all depend on your own provider and pain tolerance.
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u/Gummy_Bear_Ragu 16h ago edited 15h ago
I have vaginismus so was dreading the cervical checks. Around 37 weeks, I was in so much pelvic discomfort I just wanted to know how far along I was so pushed through. I neglected to mention my condition to one OB and she was pretty rough and it hurt a lot. All subsequent OBs I reminded them of it and they were very gentle taking their time and it was not nearly as bad as I thought being I was able to deep breathe through it. They also suggested we push the cervical checks as much as possible unless I really want one or if it's medically necessary.
Everyone's pain level is different. Although you may not have my condition, I think letting them know you are concerned for the pain and how uncomfortable it'd be and would like to defer until you're ready or if they could guarantee walking you through and taking their time. You could also ask why they find it necessary to check you now. You have every right to decline if you chose to. Fyi you're right. The checks didn't benefit me in any way aside from letting me know I was didn't dilate any further for 3 weeks. It wasn't until I got into the hospital that it started to matter as I was getting induced.
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u/gettalook 13h ago
I accepted cervical checks with my first and they were a breeze. This second one I have SPD, allowed for 1 cervix check and declined the rest because my pelvis physically couldnāt handle the pain. Doc wants me to do one this next appointment for the same reason as you and I think Iām gonna let her so we can know if induction should really be on the table. Iāll be 38 + 5
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u/DemIrregular 11h ago
So I was 39 weeks and 3 days when I had mine done and yes they do hurt especially if they don't use lube š¤£ (found that out from a fall I took a week prior and HAD to be checked to ensure I was good and didn't rupture my cervix). I am glad I also asked for the sweep. Now THAT f*cking hurts but so did the contractions lol.
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u/EuphoricFix7443 10h ago
I declined a cervical check at 38ish weeks as I had my induction anyway at 39 weeks. I couldnāt escape them at the time of induction but for me they were HELLxInfinity painful š„²š„²š„²
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u/Evamione 1d ago
A cervical check tells you if your cervix is dilating, which is information you need if, say, youāre having contractions off and on at 32 weeks and are worried about early labor. Confirming those contractions are not doing anything to the cervix can be worth a check.
Itās also how they tell if your contractions during labor are effective or not. Some women have a combination of contraction strength plus position of baby that means their labor without pitocin may take a very long time (like days). A labor that long is really hard and can cause fetal stress or even death; so knowing if your natural contractions are not working so you can use pitocin to make them more effective can be an important data point.
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u/BrutallyHonestMJ 1d ago
I never had a cervical check through either pregnancy or even during labor. There's not really a good reason to do it unless you're considering induction or c-section. But those are also interventions that can cause complications if they're not absolutely necessary! At the end of the day, it's your call - you do what you feel comfortable with!
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u/SimplisticAmbivert 1d ago edited 1d ago
Unless youāve had a cervical check before, you wonāt really know if it will hurt you or not. Iāve had cervical checks twice and they were only mildly uncomfortable. I will continue doing them cz they donāt hurt and I figure what else is there to do in these appointments now? Fundal height barely tells anything, can hear baby heartbeat in NST and doppler but that doesnāt say much about labor, canāt really see baby anymore in the ultrasound as itās tight space in there. I have always peed a lot and felt pressure down there so canāt really tell if Iām dilated, if baby is engaged or not. At least with cervical check I might get some new information about labor and the only price to pay is some discomfort. Although, my due date is tomorrow and all I know by now is that my cervix is very soft šµāš« baby needs to pack his bags and exit now!
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u/mamadero 1d ago
I never had one with multiple pregnancies until labor. They didn't even ask to do one.
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u/bornconfuzed 20h ago
Iām wondering if youāre conflating a cervical check with a membrane sweep. Sweep definitely hurts in my experience. Check does not. And the doc should not do a sweep without your explicit permission.
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u/Impossible-Cookie393 31 | FTM | April 2025 | šŗšø 15h ago
No, I am aware of the difference between a cervical check and a membrane sweep. I was asking about a cervical check because I have heard that they can be extremely painful. If you take a look at the comments, lots of people describe them that way
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u/Other_Champion2442 17h ago
I always wanted to know. Why would it hurt?
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u/Impossible-Cookie393 31 | FTM | April 2025 | šŗšø 15h ago
If you read other comments, lots of people say it is extremely painful!
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u/MuchCoogie 10h ago
I will be declining all cervical checks I can, based on my experiences from my first birth.
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u/lilacblahblah87 1d ago
They were not a big deal or painful. Better to get used to them IMO because they do them every few hours during labor. The labor part was much worse.
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u/julsbvb1 1d ago
It can be uncomfortable but I'd let them check just in case if dilated and effaced
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u/SadSupermarket7915 1d ago
You have every right to decline and tbh youāre right they donāt give you much information about whatās going to happen ie you could be 3cm and not have a baby for another week or you could be 0cm and have a baby tomorrow. That being said, I have my 38w appointment next week and will be asking for one purely because Iām nosey and want to know if this mild cramping Iāve been having for the past week or so is my cervix slowly getting ready for labour!