Cervical Checks During Pregnancy: What to Expect and When They're Needed
18 Apr 2025
As your pregnancy progresses, your healthcare provider may perform cervical checks to assess changes in your cervix. These checks can provide valuable information about your body’s preparation for labor, but they aren’t always necessary for every woman or at every appointment. Understanding when and why cervical checks are done can help you feel more informed and prepared.
What Is a Cervical Check?
A cervical check is a manual examination where your healthcare provider inserts gloved fingers into the vagina to assess:- Cervical dilation (how open the cervix is, measured in centimeters)
- Cervical effacement (how thin the cervix is, measured in percentage)
- Cervical position (whether the cervix is moving forward in preparation for labor)
- Baby’s station (how far down the baby has moved into the birth canal)
