Can I Check My cervix For Dilation?
QUESTION
Dear Midwife,
Hello! I am currently 34 weeks pregnant. I have had braxton hicks now for several weeks, but they are still irregular.I had my son at 36 weeks by c-section and was wondering if my body will treat this pregnancy like a first-time baby since I only dilated to a fingertip with my son before the c-section or will it go more rapidly than the first?
Also, is there a way to check your own cervix for dilation?
ANSWER
Since you did not pass a baby through the cervix last time, your body will probably act like this is a first labor (it really is).
I don't recommend anyone but your provider doing a vaginal exam. Not only is it difficult to be accurate, but you run the risk of introducing infection, breaking the bag of waters prematurely, or starting a bleed, just to name a few possible complications. As they say, don't go there!
-- Cynthia, CNM
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Cynthia Flynn
Cynthia Flynn, CNM. PhD, teaches in the College of Nursing at Seattle University and is President of the American Association of Birth Centers. She also practices midwifery at Valley Medical Center where she cares for pregnant and birthing women, and practices well-woman gynecology, family planning, and treatment of sexually transmitted diseases.
Cynthia founded Columbia Women's Clinic and Birth Center, where she took care of pregnant women and infants up to two weeks of age and attended both birth center and hospital births. Before Cynthia earned her CNM, she worked as a registered nurse in labor and delivery and postpartum and is a certified Doula and Doula trainer.
Cynthia hosts a monthly "Ask the midwife" chat as well as answers questions via our expert section.
Listen to Cynthia live on Pregnancy.org Live: Before, During and After.
