As you navigate your third trimester, you might hear your traditional healthcare provider mention cervical checks. But what exactly does it mean to consent to this procedure? And is it necessary? As a Christian woman yearning for a God-centered pregnancy, you might be questioning the medical interventions often recommended during this sacred time. Join me, Lori, host of Your Birth God's Way, as I share wisdom from both my personal experiences and my professional expertise as a certified nurse midwife.

Before I delve into the specifics of cervical checks, it's essential to ground ourselves in the larger journey of pregnancy and birth. For those of us who have been immersed in the traditional maternity system, it can seem like a battle between medical interventions and our natural instincts. However, I've discovered a profound truth: God's way is indeed the best way. He designed our bodies perfectly for pregnancy, birth, and nurturing our babies. By adhering to His design, we can experience a healthy and joyful birth process—a truth we dive deep into in this podcast.

It's common practice for providers to perform cervical checks, especially as you approach labor. However, you might be surprised to learn that cervical checks provide no necessary information for assessing your progress unless you're already in active labor. Here’s the kicker: a cervical check only tells you the state of your cervix at that very moment. You could be completely closed and have your baby hours later, or be several centimeters dilated and wait weeks for labor to start. Therefore, the information gleaned from these checks often doesn’t affect your birthing process.

The risks associated with cervical checks are significant and include introducing bacteria into a clean area, increasing anxiety, and encouraging unnecessary interventions. Once your water breaks, the risk of infection heightens with each check. An unplanned rupture can trigger a sequence of medical interventions such as antibiotics or a C-section. It’s critical to weigh these risks against the actual benefits, which, outside of immediate labor assessment, are minimal.

You have the right to decline any procedure, including cervical checks, if you're not comfortable with it. God designed your uterus to hold your baby until both are ready for birth. It’s essential to trust in His timing. Should you determine that a cervical check won’t affect your labor’s outcome, you can choose to decline or consent based on that informed decision. Remember, this is your call—and it should always be.

When faced with this decision, consider the following questions: Will knowing your cervix state change your birth plan? Is this information critical right now? Do the benefits outweigh the risks? It’s wise to discuss these considerations with your provider early in your pregnancy and solidify your preferences, keeping open to adjustments as necessary.

As you prepare for your birth journey, remember that you have control over the decisions impacting your health and your baby’s health. Trust in the divine design of your body and the informed choices you make. Join our Facebook group, 'Your Birth God's Way,' where we share insights, support each other, and walk the path of a God-centered birth together. Whether you’ve been through labor before or you’re preparing for your first, your experiences, questions, and plans can enrich our community.

Remember, you are not alone. Together, we can cherish the birth journey as God designed it to be—joyful, natural, and empowering.

​As always, if this blog post resonates with you, please leave a five-star review on Apple Podcasts. Your support helps us reach even more mamas with messages of faith and empowerment. I can't wait to connect with you again!