Cervix feels opened 17w3d

[cnj76]

I am a little freaked out. I normally don't check my cervix and know the drill about checking it while pregnant or at all. But today I have had little minor cramps similar to af. Being 17w3d, I understand that cramping can be normal. Well, I've felt uneasy all day just because I have off days like today. I checked my cervix out of curiosity and it's soft as it should be but it's opened. I didn't prod around there long but I can feel that the opening is wide. About 5 weeks ago it was tight. I am worried. I wont be checking my cervix again because I don't want to irritate it. ( Also, please before anyone says anything about checking the cervix, I understand the no-no about it but have been told how to do so IF I ever needed to).... I just need information about this and if anyones gone through this. We are habit severe storms at this moment and DF is driving home in it. Just so much to worry about.

[Flufy82]

KU111- Are YOU a L&D nurse? By your comment, I doubt it.  Don't be ignorant. You're allowed to have sex while pregnant, right? Well I don't know about you, and sorry for the TMI, but my husband hits my cervix with each thrust. You think penises are totally sanitary? FAR FROM IT! Much less than thoroughly washed hands, for sure, as original poster stated she was doing. My OB said all is fine as long as precautions are taken. Get over yourself.

This is a couple years after the fact because I was having similar concerns myself, searched my problem, found this thread. It really helped. Thanks to all the rest of you ladies who provided reasonable, non-judgemental feedback.

Hope it all turned out ok CNJ76! :)

[NicMom]

If your not having contractions then I wouldn't worry about it too much. I do agree with Ashelen on the gloves. Even with using clean hands you never know about the possibility of missing some of the germs under your fingernails. Not worth the risk of infection. At your 20 week they will measure your cervix by ultrasound and you should ask your ob to check. It will probably put your mind at ease. Feel better!

[cnj76]

My gender scan is in 21 days. Feels like a lifetime away.

[Ashelen]

I totally understand girl - I miscarried before I was pregnant with my first so I spent both pregnancies a bundle of terror that something was going to happen. In some ways having the guts to check my cervix would've been a relief but I was too afraid to mess things up, LOL. You have a scan coming up soon, right? is it your gender scan?

[cnj76]

Yeah, gloves are a good idea. I have them in a box around the house. It's helpful to get any and all information. Clean or not, i do agree we need to wear them. Thanks, Ashleen for the reminder to wear them :) sometimes, I guess i can forget due to the worry at that moment.

[Ashelen]

By the way, in the future, if you have a problem with something I've said - please take it up with me directly in private. Thanks

[Ashelen]

No one was bashing or judging her, so please don't act like anyone was. Anyone who says not to check your cervix is doing it because I can remember specifically a case where a woman did it, she had had several children so she "knew how to do it", used clean hands,  and she caused an infection (which is why I say gloves - you can buy a box of sterile gloves for a few dollars at the drug store). I know how to check mine but I was always too terrified to with both of my pregnancies.

Most women who do it turn out just fine, but there are risks involved, and some women don't know that so it's very important that we stress it in case someone just happens to be surfing the web about info on checking their cervix, has no knowledge of it....say they found this thread and it said nothing about the risks, so they went ahead and ended up causing a complication....you see what I mean? so we just have to mention it, but no one was bashing or judging.

[chantal21]

My midwife is checking my cervix at least once-twice a month at this point by ultrasound and manually if I am having too many contractions. I was told, if you check it, not to "dig" around basically but to just be very gentle as to not stir up anything. So when my midwife checks, she is very gentle about it. I'm sure your doc would be more than willing to check your cervix and tell you what is going on, if anything is happening. Glad your cramping has stopped!

[mami2karina]

Just speak to your doctor. I know I have to have my cervical length checked via trans-vag ultrasound at 16 and 20 weeks, and anytime there after if needed.

[cnj76]

Thanks ladies. You've all made me feel better. I am very careful with checking my cervix and as I've said before, I don't do that very often. It's been 5 weeks since the last time I checked. And only do it with clean hands. While TTC I checked my cervix off and on when I was getting ready to ovulate to note the difference. I have like no nails because I tend to bite them the moment they grow. I've always done that so I know that checking too often can cause irritation and may even scratch the cervix with your nails.

This is my first pregnancy to ever make it this far and I am just wanting to make it all the way. I hear stories about all these women who had cervix problems, etc and you never think it'll happen to you while pregnant but you never know. Again, thank you all who helped. It really does make me feel better. I haven't had anymore cramping either.

[mami2karina]

This is my 4th baby and I've had 2 LEEP's done. The first one removed a fairly large portion of my cervix. But with each baby my OB said that it is normal for a small opening at the tip. I check my cervix all the time, he has never said anything to me about it. Especially since there is risk for cervical shortening, etc. in my case due to my surgeries. I also am on progesterone supplements. I've been told to make sure my hands are clean, but never been told to use gloves. Bring it up to your doctor. You're not the only one who does it so don't feel bad. Or let someone freak you out because you did. I learned a long time ago that just because one person wouldn't do it or thinks badly, doesn't mean you have to. And besides, you're asking a question, there is no reason for you to be bashed or judged.

[chantal21]

Is this your first baby? If not, would you have any reason to be concerned about your cervix changing or dilating/pre-term labor? I would definitely just bring it up to your doc. Maybe they can do an ultrasound and check your cervix length or even check manually. Any time I am worried (this is my second pregnancy with cervix issues/pre-term labor) the doc is always willing to check me to see what is happening. But like you, I do know how to check my cervix and when I was 18wks, I had a scan and my cervix was long and completely closed. I checked, and sure enough they were right. At 24 weeks, my cervix was very soft and slightly open and shortened a great deal. I checked again to feel the difference and it was scary to know that it was open and very very soft. Of course, checking too often can irritate it or cause it to change more so you shouldn't check anymore, but definitely just bring it up to your doctor if you are concerned.

[Ashelen]

I would make sure to bring it up to your doctor, but from what I understand your cervix can shift and open and close slightly throughout your whole pregnancy. Please, PLEASE wear gloves if you ever check your cervix. You obviously know how dangerous it is, so I won't stress it, but at least wear gloves if you do it again...and in the meantime, maybe call and talk to a nurse tomorrow? Who knows, maybe they'll get you in and you can see the gender early, lol.

Good luck girl I wouldn't worry. My doc said I was 1cm at 20wks but then I was closed at 30..then open again and by the time they induced me I was 5cm on my own so maybe you'll dilate really fast once you hit full-term :-).

[cnj76]

It's just the opening that feels weird to me. It's opened but on one side is ruffled feeling. I don't know if that makes sense but I have had a little stress this past week. My 20wk ultrasound is in a little over 2 weeks. I hope all is well. I will have a Doppler in hand sometime this week. Maybe I'll hear something good on it. Thanks joy.

[ku111]

Are you a L&D nurse?  This takes lots of practice and is never to be done without a dr's order.

[JoyRenee]

The cervix will feel like a soft doughnut and there will be a little bit of a circle opening at the tip of the cervix; that is most likely what you're feeling. Your cervix also changes all throughout the day so just because it was closed and tight (aka hard) weeks ago doesn't mean anything because it is soft now.

I would bring up the concern at your next visit and they can check it out for you.

[cutie_pie84]

You could be stressing too much. I'm not sure what to make of the cervix being except that I always heard it should be hard & tightly closed until you're about to deliver full term. So that doesn't sound too good. Id call and see what the dr or hospital recommends.