opening a cervix with fingers?

[LidAnnMor5107]

I'm 37 weeks. I had my weekly visit with my doctor today, he checked my cervix and said "your cervix isn't open yet, would you like me to open it?" I didn't know he could open it so I asked how he said with his fingers. is that a thing? has anyone else had their cervix opened by their dr without being induced?

[mombojombo]

Hi. I don't think your dr meant they will pry open your cervix and you'll immediately go into labor. :).  I was 1 cm dilated for close to 4 weeks!  Most women dilate some as they go through your last month.  My dr told me I would be a little sore and might spot after a cervix check because she tried to stimulate my cervix.  I was 39 weeks at the time.  While I spotted, labor did not begin for me until I was 40 weeks + 10 days. Ugh.  Anyway, I think stimulating the cervix is common and most likely what your doctor meant by opening it a little.  Talk to him or her about it.  Good luck

[linalinko]

Actually in my experience, when I was 40 weeks pregnant with my son I wanted them to do a stretch and sweep and the doctor said I'd have to be at least 2cm dilated otherwise she can't reach inside far enough to actually separate the sac from the cervix. So if your cervix was completely closed, I doubt he could do a stretch and sweep. And I've never heard of any doctor opening a cervix before with their fingers, especially at 37 weeks.

[2gs_2bs_andcounting]

Yes it's a stretch and sweep. I had it done 3 out of 4 babies and plan on doing it with this one. My Dr's would never do it before 38 weeks. I went into labor shortly after- 1-2 days. They recommend lots of sex after to help thin and dilate cervix.

[DestinyH]

Out of my 3 pregnancies I've never heard that . only inducing