If you’ve had any pap smears done, you realize how a vaginal examination feels.
During labor, they are performed to assess how dilated your cervix is (dilation goes from 0-10 centimeters).
Cervical checks tend to be very uncomfortable, especially during labor. A gentle and sensitive care provider can make a difference, but the checks are often hard to handle.
Research has also shown that different people will get a different measurement for dilation. This means that if different nurses, doctors, or midwives are tracking your dilation, the measurements may not be completely accurate.
Each internal exam also raises the chance of infection. If your water has broken this is an especially valid reason to decline internal exams.
You will know when you are close to being fully dilated, and a skilled care provider will also be able to tell. There is no reason to have countless exams or to endure the pain or the anxiety that may come from being told “you’re not making progress.”
It is best to work with your body and allow your skilled caregiver to notice the signs that you’re close to the end of the first stage. You will also be able to tell because you’ll begin to feel pushing urges.
