Cervical Exams During Labor #birth #laboranddelivery #pregnancy #shorts #ytshorts

When cervical exams are performed during labor, there are two main things that are being checked for. The first is the dilation of the cervix, or how open it is, and the placement of the cervix. The second is the effacement of the cervix, or how thinned out it is. Dilation is measured in centimeters (cm), with 10 cm being fully dilated. Effacement is measured in percentages, with 100% being completely effaced. During a cervical exam, the health care provider will insert two fingers into the vagina and check for both dilation and effacement. Cervical exams are important because they can give the health care provider information about how labor is progressing. If the cervix is not dilating or effacing, this may mean that labor is not progressing as it should. Cervical exams are not always accurate, however, and should not be used as the only way to check for labor progress. They are also uncomfortable, especially when you are sensitive down there from your body getting ready to give birth. So know that you have the right to deny cervical checks. Just be sure to let your health care provider know if you don’t want them done. Do you plan on having cervical checks during labor? Why or why not? #cervicalexams #laboranddeliverynurse #laborprogress #birthsupport #birthstories #ytshorts, #shorts, #pregnancy, #birth Join the #1 Birth Course for Confident Birth! Over 15,000 women have used our classes to prepare for birth with the knowledge and tools provided by a Labor Nurse. 💻 Self-paced and lifetime access 👩🏻‍⚕️ Perfect for all births- hospital, birth center, or home! 🎧 Includes birth meditations and prayers. 🌍 Women all over the world have loved our classes. ✅ Start now Join The Birthpod ™ course https://learn.labornursemama.com/guide Join The Calm Labor Confident Birth Course https://learn.labornursemama.com/calm