Posterior Cervix, will this hinder labour?

9 replies

bubblylion · 03/12/2006 20:52

Hi, Can anyone offer advice? I'm 40 + 3 days preg. Yesterday I went to the hospital for routine montioring, which showed lots of b hicks (about 2 per min). The midwife said my uterus is very active and that she would do a internal sweep, to help bring on the labour. When she performed the internal, she said my cervix is posterior and therefore she could not stimulate labour.
Does a posterior cervix mean labour is far away? Does it have any implications for the labour?
I'm getting restless now, midwife said they will induce on the 10th, but want to avoid this.

OP posts:

MerryChristmasfromQV · 03/12/2006 20:55

All cervix's (cervii?) are posterior prior to labour. Some, are sometimes more posterior than others (mine was) which simply made examinations a little more uncomfortable as it was tucked further at the back.

Once labour kicks in and and the baby pushes down the cervix will become more and more anterior.

In other words - normal.

MoreEggnogAnyone · 03/12/2006 20:55

Sorry I'm thick, do you mean that the baby is back to front or somehting else?

My dd1 was OP. And it did mean labour was longer and harder. Ended up with a section.

NoSPACEatTheInn · 03/12/2006 20:57

from what i recall of being pregnant is, it means that the cervix hasnt started to soften yet ready for labour, instead its still like the tip of the nose and a bit further back, which means its difficult to reach, when the cervix ripens ready for labour, it moves round a bit and feels softer which makes it easier to perform a sweep. however dont be disheartened, the cervix can soften up over night!(well it did with me)

lulumama · 03/12/2006 20:57

hi Bubbylion

the cervix moves forward and softens as it the body gears up for labour

if the cervix is posterior..means that labour unlikely to be within the next couple of days..

however...things can change very quickly...and it could well be that when you go back , your cervix is starting to soften and move forward.

the sweep will only help trigger labour if it would have started naturally within the next 24- 48 hours or so...

the 10th is a week away..you could always ask for another sweep then ...and wait a couple more days to see if you labour spontaneously..

is this your first?

lulumama · 03/12/2006 20:58

and i gave birth to a baby who was OP and turned in labour...posterior baby doesn't always mean a section. but labour can be longer and harder as the baby;s head not exerting equal pressure on the cervix.

Original poster

bubblylion · 03/12/2006 21:52

Thanks for your messages, I feel more reassured now, lets hope its ripening now and baby will be on its way soon. Yes lulamama this is the 1st, so feelin a bit apprehensive, keep lookin for signs of labour!!

OP posts:

lulumama · 03/12/2006 21:55

don;t worry.....42 weeks is still within normal range - anywhere from 38 - 42 weeks...but it is hard not to fix on the 40 week cut off...some women just need to cook their babies longer !!

Rosydingdongmerrily · 04/12/2006 10:05

My cervix is very far back and internals are always a nightmare. Anyone with short hands and fingers has no chance and mw's sometimes ask me to put my hands under my bum to provide a better angle!!!
The first stage of my labours are very long,(I'm expecting no.4) then fast at the end. I don't know if there's any connection though
Good luck with the birth! Won't be long now

snugglebumnappies · 04/12/2006 16:27

Also depends how far down in your pelvis baby's head it, if it is very low your cervix can "disappear" behind it but still be dilating!

Flip