The Truth About Cervical Exams
In this episode, Ciarra and Samantha discuss the topic of cervical exams during pregnancy and labor. They explain what a cervical exam is and what providers are looking for during the exam. They discuss the reasons why providers offer cervical exams and the potential benefits and drawbacks of getting them. They emphasize that cervical exams are not a crystal ball and do not accurately predict when labor will start or progress. They also highlight the importance of informed consent and the right to decline cervical exams. The episode concludes with a reminder that the decision to have a cervical exam is ultimately up to the individual.
Takeaways
Takeaways
- Cervical exams during pregnancy and labor are not a crystal ball and do not accurately predict when labor will start or progress.
- The decision to have a cervical exam is up to the individual, and informed consent is important.
- Cervical exams can provide information about the cervix's position, baby's position, and progress during labor.
- Cervical exams carry the risk of infection and accidental breaking of the water bag.
- Providers may offer cervical exams to gather information for potential inductions or to establish a baseline for labor progress.
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Website: https://birthbabypodcast.transistor.fm/
Email: BirthBabyPodcast@gmail.com
Website: https://birthbabypodcast.transistor.fm/
Intro and Outro music by Longing for Orpheus. You can find them on Spotify!
- (00:00) - Introduction and Disclaimer
- (00:32) - Overview of the Podcast and Hosts
- (01:04) - Introduction to the Topic: Cervical Exams
- (03:23) - When and Why Providers Offer Cervical Exams
- (06:36) - The Potential Benefits and Drawbacks of Cervical Exams
- (08:01) - Personal Experiences and Emotional Impact of Cervical Exams
- (09:55) - The Controversial Nature of Cervical Exams
- (10:53) - Reasons to Decline Cervical Exams
- (14:02) - Considering the Benefits and Risks of Cervical Exams
- (25:23) - Informed Consent and the Right to Decline Cervical Exams
- (29:30) - The Complexity of Labor Progress and Generalizations
- (33:45) - Conclusion and Closing Remarks
