Cervical Checks

[Ohbaby121]

Last Question....I promise!

I went into the office today for some cramping and lower back pain. They thought maybe I had a UTI or kidney infection.  All came back normal

Dr. did perform a cervical check and said my cervix is still closed and hooked me up to the monitor for 30 minutes just to make sure I wasn't contracting. (Which I wasn't)  Baby heart beat was strong at 144bpm.

My question is,I was talking to a friend and she stated that cervical exams are not safe because they introduce bacteria into the uterus and can cause uterine infection which can cause premature birth and severe infection in the newborn leading to stillbirth or neonatal death. (just what I needed to hear...I'm paranoid as it is)

Is this something I should be worried about?  I still have my mucous plug.
Also, is it safe to assume if my visit in 2 weeks is normal and baby is growing, then I did not get an asymptomatic infection.

Obviously, I will watch for any obvious signs of infection. (Fever, rapid heart beat etc.) but I just want to know how worried I should be.

I am 28 weeks, 3 days measuring a little over 30.

Walk in worried about one thing, leave worried about something else! Story of my life.  

Thanks for you help!

[Ohbaby121]

Thank you for your response!

Does it matter that the gloves were from a box and not sterile? (Unless he changed after he put the speculum in and looked around)

Also do they go all the way up to the internal part of the cervix or just check outer part?

Your the best.

[Elaine Brown, MD]

Hi!
If you were my patient, I would advise you that your friend may be confused or may have confused you.  Cervical exams are not dangerous.  After your water has broken, it will be important to limit the number of exams because AFTER the water has broken the membrane no longer acts as a barrier between the outside world and the uterus.  But a limited number of exams is going to have to be done at some point to determine whether you are progressing in labor and/or ready to deliver.  These are always carried out with sterile gloves.
At this point, with your membrane still intact and your cervix not dilated at all, you should be more worried about what color to paint the nursery!
Good luck!
Dr B

[SonoTech55]

I don't think you have any reason to be so worried.  While a cervical check isn't "sterile" it doesn't mean you'll likely get an infection.  If you think about it,  most pregnant women remain sexually active during pregnancy and a man's penis isn't "sterile" either.

The only time doctors will try to limit the amount of times you are checked is after your water breaks.