As you get closer to meeting your baby, one thing you might hear about from your provider is a cervical check. If you’re not sure what that means or if you even want one, you’re not alone. Many moms wonder what they are, why they’re done, and if they’re actually necessary. Let’s talk about it so you feel calm and confident when the topic comes up.
What Is a Cervical Check?
A cervical check, sometimes called a cervical exam, is when your provider uses gloved fingers to feel your cervix. They’re checking for a few things:
- Dilation (how open your cervix is, measured in centimeters from 0 to 10).
- Effacement (how thin and stretchy it has become).
- Station (how low your baby’s head is in your pelvis).
- Position and consistency (whether your cervix is soft or firm, tilted back or forward).
Think of it as a quick “status update” on how your body is preparing for labor.
Why Are They Done?
Cervical checks are often offered in late pregnancy or during labor. Your provider may use them to see how your body is responding before or during an induction, to understand how labor is unfolding, or to do something like a membrane sweep if that’s part of your plan.
Here’s the big thing to remember: a cervical check cannot tell you exactly when labor will begin. You can walk around at 3 centimeters for weeks, or you can be completely closed one day and in labor the next. It’s simply a snapshot of what’s happening in that moment.
Do You Have to Have a Cervical Check?
Absolutely not. Cervical checks are always your choice. You are in charge of your body and your care.
Some women choose to skip them because they don’t feel the information will change anything, or they want to lower the chance of infection (especially if their water has already broken). Others choose to have them because they like knowing what’s going on or because they’re making decisions about induction or other interventions.
There isn’t a right or wrong answer here—it’s about what feels best for you.
What Do They Feel Like?
Every woman’s experience is different. Some describe it as mild discomfort, kind of like a Pap smear, while others feel more pressure or even pain.
A few things can make it easier:
- Take slow, deep breaths.
- If you’re in labor, you can ask your provider to wait until a contraction has passed.
- Try changing positions. Lying on your side is often gentler than lying flat on your back.
- Speak up if you need them to stop.
You are always allowed to pause or say no.
A Few Things to Keep in Mind
Cervical checks aren’t a crystal ball. They can’t predict exactly when you’ll go into labor.
Each exam does carry a small risk of infection, especially after your water breaks.
If you’re feeling unsure about cervical checks, know this: you are allowed to advocate for yourself. You can ask, “Is this necessary right now?” or “How will this change what we do?” before you give consent.
Remember, a cervical check is just one tool providers use. It does not define your progress, or your ability to give birth.
Your body knows what it’s doing. Trust it. Trust yourself. And always remember that you get the final say.