I would use gloves just to be on the safe side
It is completely safe but you must wash your hands and scrub under your fingernails first to stop any risk of infection.
Im not sure but I started getting thick creamy discharge at around the same time my cervix started softening so it may be. If you can, try evening primrose oil as it helps the cervix soften and works pretty quickly. Insert a couple of capsules into your vagina and push them up next to your cervix to dissolve over night. You can also gently massage your cervix directly with the oil on your fingers and take a couple of capsules orally too.
Anyone have any advice or knowledge? Not really worried but just want to know if its thining or not because it will help tomorrow when they try to induce again and i cant do another day of it not working. Made me feel really rubbish having to come home without a baby in my arms :-(