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Ep 48 Cervical Checks
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Cervical checks during labor, while commonly practiced, can often be detrimental to the natural birthing process. These checks involve manually assessing the dilation of the cervix to determine the progress of labor. While the intention behind this practice is to provide a measure of how far along a laboring person is, it can inadvertently disrupt the physiological process.
Shifting Focus from Sensations to Numbers
A key issue with cervical checks is that they shift the laboring person's focus from their internal sensations to an external measurement. Labor is an intensely personal and inward journey, where the birthing person must connect deeply with their body’s signals. When a cervical check is performed, it interrupts this inward focus, making the laboring person concentrate on a numerical dilation measurement instead.
This shift can create anxiety or disappointment, especially if the number does not align with their expectations or perceived progress. Such emotional responses can hinder the natural release of hormones like oxytocin, which is crucial for labor progression. Trusting one's body and its signals becomes more challenging when external validation seems to take precedence.
Rapid Changes in Dilation
Cervical dilation is not a linear process. A laboring person can go from one centimeter to full dilation (ten centimeters) in a remarkably short time—sometimes less than an hour. This rapid progression highlights the futility of relying on periodic checks to gauge labor's progress accurately. A seemingly slow dilation at one moment can quickly accelerate, making previous measurements obsolete and potentially misleading.
The Case for Sensation-Based Labor
Focusing on sensations rather than numbers allows the laboring person to stay attuned to their body's unique rhythm. Each contraction, each breath, and each movement plays a role in the birth process. By remaining inwardly focused, the laboring person can better respond to their body's cues, facilitating a smoother and more intuitive labor experience.
Alternatives to Cervical Checks
Instead of routine cervical checks, birthing professionals can support laboring individuals by observing external signs of labor progression. These include changes in behavior, vocalizations, and the physical position of the baby. Encouraging a laboring person to trust their body and providing a calm, supportive environment can often be more beneficial than relying on numerical dilation measurements.
Recognizing the rapid and unpredictable nature of cervical dilation further underscores the need to prioritize a laboring person's experience and intuition over routine checks. By doing so, we honor the natural birthing process and support a more empowering and less intrusive labor experience.
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