by forme

Created on: February 08, 2009   Last Updated: February 14, 2009

Cervical dilation in pregnancy is the only way to tell rather or not labor is approaching, though as you get towards the end of your pregnancy many women ask themselves one question. When will my baby come? So if you are one of those women and you've been wondering if there is a way to check for dilation without having to wait to see your doctor, then your in luck. So here are some simple step you can follow to correctly check your cervix for dilation safely. Although some women may have some trouble doing this, it's not that difficult.

Step 1. Your going to want to start by clipping your finger nails, and then wash your hands with soap and warm water and pat dry.

Step 2. Then you are going to want to sit on the toilet with one leg on a step stool that is next to the toilet. Your going to want to elevate the leg that is opposite of your dominant hand, that way your leg won't be in the way of checking your cervix.

Step 3. Next take some lube and put some on your index finger and your middle finger. You don't need a lot of it, you don't need a hand full, just enough to get them wet.

Step 4. Next your going to want to slide your two fingers inside your vagina. To know your doing it right your hand is going to be curled around like a hook towards your body. Your going to slide in towards your bottom, until you can't go any further, that should be your cervix. To find the center of your cervix, it should feel like a pair of puckered lips. If you are dilated at all you will be able to insert at least one finger, if you can't slide a finger in than you aren't dilated at all. So if follow these steps and you should have no problem checking your own cervix from home without having to wait for your doctor to it. Just remember though, it's always a good idea to get a second opinion from your doctor and always make sure to wash your hands before checking for dilation, to lower the risk of infections. And try not to check too often, as that could cause pain and maybe some slight bleeding. And always keep your nails trimmed to keep from cutting yourself and making your cervix bleed. And if you can't feel anything on the first try don't get upset, you might not have done it right, so read over the steps and try again. You'll get it right.

Though I'm not a doctor, but my doctor advised my that checking your own cervix once in awhile is not likely to hurt you or your baby in anyways. But excessive checking may cause some harm, just wanted to make sure you were aware of this.

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