THINGS YOU DIDN’T KNOW YOU COULD DECLINE IN LABOR

by Katy Iengo

10/24/2023

Number 2 for things you didn’t know you could decline in labor: CERVICAL CHECKS!

We can’t say this loud enough…

NO ONE SHOULD PUT THEIR FINGERS IN YOUR VAGINA WITHOUT YOUR CLEAR, ENTHUSIASTIC REQUEST AND CONSENT!

And yet, this type of assault happens constantly in childbirth. Just because you’re having a baby doesn’t mean the sacredness of that space goes out the window.

Plus, cervical checks only tell you what your body has done, not what it’s going to do.

These procedures are grossly overused in the medical world and it’s time we make it stop.

As a provider, you should always offer these checks as an option if the birthing person WANTS that information.

As a birthing person, you should only consent to them if that information will help you in your process.

But there are so many other signs to look for! The body does not need that data to progress in labor. What it needs is calm, quiet, safety.

But we’ll break it down for you.

PROS - lets you know what your body has done, can boost morale, can help you make informed decisions moving forward.

CONS - it’s not a crystal ball, can be a major morale tanker, can be uncomfortable, can trigger or even cause trauma, can increase infection risk, higher chance of cascading interventions.

WHAT TO ASK - I do not consent to routine cervical checks. Are you comfortable with only doing checks when I ask for them? What instance would it be medically necessary or urgent? Are you comfortable with me withdrawing consent at any time?

If your provider does not agree, it might be time to get a new one.