Do I Need a Cervical Check During Pregnancy? What You Need to Know

During pregnancy, expectant mothers receive a variety of tests and checkups as part of their antenatal care. One common question that arises is whether or not a cervical check is necessary during pregnancy. Understanding what cervical checks involve, their purpose, and when they might be needed can help expectant parents make informed decisions about their pregnancy care. This article will explain cervical checks in the context of antenatal care, the potential benefits, and when they might be recommended.

What is a Cervical Check?

A cervical check, also known as a cervical examination or pelvic exam, involves a healthcare provider examining the cervix to assess its condition. During pregnancy, the cervix goes through changes as the body prepares for labour. A cervical check can assess:

Cervical length: In early and mid-pregnancy, the cervix is long and closed. As pregnancy progresses, especially closer to term, the cervix may begin to shorten and soften.

Cervical dilation: Towards the end of pregnancy or during labour, cervical dilation is measured to determine how much the cervix has opened. This is important in assessing how close you are to giving birth.

Cervical effacement: Effacement refers to the thinning and shortening of the cervix, which is necessary for the baby to move through the birth canal during labour.

Cervical checks can be conducted manually by a midwife or doctor during routine antenatal appointments or in the later stages of pregnancy.

When are Cervical Checks Performed?

Cervical checks are not typically a routine part of every antenatal appointment. They are usually done if there are specific medical reasons, or as labour approaches. Some of the common situations where cervical checks might be recommended include:

Late pregnancy: A cervical check may be performed at the end of pregnancy, particularly after 37 weeks, to assess how close a woman is to labour.

Signs of preterm labour: If a pregnant woman shows signs of preterm labour, such as contractions or changes in vaginal discharge, a cervical check may be necessary to assess if the cervix has started to dilate prematurely.

Medical conditions or complications: Certain medical conditions, such as cervical insufficiency (where the cervix shortens too early), may warrant more frequent cervical checks during pregnancy.

For a detailed overview of antenatal care practices, you can refer to the NHS website: Antenatal care - NHS.

Do You Need a Cervical Check in Early Pregnancy?

For most women, cervical checks are not required in early pregnancy. However, if you have a history of cervical issues or pregnancy complications, your healthcare provider may recommend a cervical check to monitor your cervix. Conditions such as cervical insufficiency, where the cervix begins to open too early, may require close monitoring through cervical length assessments.

Cervical Insufficiency and Prenatal Care

Cervical insufficiency is a condition where the cervix weakens and opens prematurely during pregnancy, potentially leading to preterm birth or miscarriage. In such cases, antenatal care may include regular cervical checks and prenatal care plans to monitor cervical changes.

In some cases, women with cervical insufficiency may require a procedure known as a cerclage, where the cervix is stitched closed to prevent it from opening too early. If this is necessary, regular cervical checks will be part of your pregnancy care plan.

For more information on prenatal care and cervical insufficiency, visit Tommy’s, a UK charity focused on pregnancy health: Tommy’s: Cervical Insufficiency.

Cervical Checks in Late Pregnancy and Labour

As pregnancy progresses into the third trimester, especially after 37 weeks, cervical checks may become more common to assess the readiness of the cervix for labour. During these checks, healthcare providers evaluate the cervix for effacement (thinning) and dilation (opening). This information can help assess how close you are to going into labour.

Cervical Checks and Labour Progress

During labour, cervical checks are used to assess how labour is progressing. In a typical labour, the cervix needs to dilate to 10 centimetres to allow for the baby to pass through the birth canal. Cervical dilation is measured during regular intervals to track how close you are to the active phase of labour.

While cervical checks can provide valuable information, some women may choose to decline them during labour, especially if they prefer to minimise interventions. If you’re attending antenatal classes near me, they often cover discussions about cervical checks and their role in labour, which can help you make an informed decision.

When Cervical Checks May Be Necessary in Labour

Slow progress in labour: If labour is progressing slowly, a cervical check can provide important information about the cervix’s readiness and may help your healthcare provider decide if interventions, such as oxytocin or breaking your waters, are needed to help speed up labour.

Signs of infection or distress: Cervical checks may be necessary if there are signs of infection or foetal distress, as this can help identify the cause and guide appropriate interventions.

For more information on cervical checks in labour and birth, you can visit the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG): RCOG Cervical Checks.

What Are the Risks of Cervical Checks?

While cervical checks are generally considered safe, there are some potential risks, especially if performed frequently. It’s important to weigh these risks against the benefits when deciding whether to undergo cervical checks during pregnancy. Some of the potential risks include:

Discomfort: Cervical checks can be uncomfortable or even painful for some women, particularly if the cervix is not yet soft or effaced.

Infection: There is a small risk of introducing bacteria into the cervix or uterus during a cervical check, which could potentially lead to infection.

Premature membrane rupture: In rare cases, a cervical check could cause the membranes to rupture, leading to premature labour.

It’s essential to discuss the benefits and risks of cervical checks with your healthcare provider to ensure that you are making the right decision for your antenatal care.

Alternative Approaches: Monitoring Without Cervical Checks

Some women may prefer to minimise cervical checks during their pregnancy or labour, especially if they aim for a more natural approach to birth. In such cases, there are alternative ways to monitor pregnancy progress without relying on frequent cervical checks. For example:

Foetal heart monitoring: Regular monitoring of the baby’s heartbeat can provide valuable information about the baby’s well-being during pregnancy and labour without the need for an internal examination.

Antenatal fitness: Staying active through activities such as yoga for pregnancy can help promote a healthy pregnancy and labour, potentially reducing the need for interventions like cervical checks. Antenatal yoga classes also focus on relaxation techniques that can be beneficial during labour.

For relaxation and self-care during pregnancy, antenatal massage and prenatal yoga are other beneficial options. Both help reduce stress and tension, which can support a smooth and healthy pregnancy journey. You can read more about the benefits of relaxation during pregnancy at NHS Choices: NHS Antenatal Care.

Conclusion: Do You Need a Cervical Check?

Whether or not you need a cervical check during pregnancy depends on your individual circumstances and preferences. For most women with uncomplicated pregnancies, routine cervical checks are not necessary in early pregnancy. However, as labour approaches, a cervical check can provide valuable information about the readiness of the cervix and help guide decisions about labour management.

It’s essential to have open discussions with your healthcare provider about the need for cervical checks in your antenatal appointments. They can help you weigh the benefits and risks, ensuring that you receive the best care possible for your pregnancy.