Yes, You Can Say No to That Cervical Check

Raise your hand if no one told you that you could say “no” to a cervical check.

Now raise your hand if you thought you had to say yes, even when it felt intrusive, painful, or just unnecessary.

It’s okay—you’re not alone. And here’s the truth: you can say no to any cervical check, at any point in pregnancy or labor.

So, what even is a cervical check?

A cervical exam is a manual check by your provider to assess how dilated, effaced, and “ready” your cervix is. Sounds useful, right?

Except… it doesn’t always tell the full story.

Some people walk around at 4cm for weeks. Others go from 0 to baby in a few hours. A cervix is not a crystal ball.

Why you might decline:
    •    You’re not comfortable with internal exams
    •    You want to reduce the risk of infection (especially after your water breaks)
    •    You’re trying to stay out of your head and in your body
    •    You don’t want unnecessary interventions triggered by arbitrary measurements

But aren’t they required in the hospital?

Nope. Not by law. Not even a little bit.

Just because it’s “routine” doesn’t make it required. You can always ask:
    •    What is the purpose of this check?
    •    Will the result change our plan?
    •    Can we wait?

This is your body, your birth, your decision.

And if you ever need someone in your corner reminding you of that, I’ll be there—with a camera in one hand and quiet support in the other

LOVE, Em