Dont understand midwifes notes

[cookiemonster5678]

Hiya,

Had a sweep today, but it will probably be unsuccessful as my cervix isn't ripe yet.

Just wondered if anybody can help me work out what my notes mean, i read them after leaving the appointment do couldn't check with mw.

'V & V normal' - no idea what this means

'Cervix soft, uneffaced' -

i understand the meaning of uneffaced, but what does a soft cervix represent?

'Difficulty performing procedure, finally felt 1cm' -

does this mean 1cm dilated? Or just felt 1cm of the cervix?

Vulva and Vagina?

Good luck with the impending btw.

V&V = vagina and vulva
Cervix is usually soft in pregnancy (very firm when not pregnant), so this is just normal
1cm probably means 1cm dilated; being up to 2cm dilated is normal in late pregnancy. Unlikely she means she only felt 1cm of the cervix as this would not be relevant for your notes.

Thanks !
Never even thought of that, is that a guess or do you know thats the meaning? I hate medical abbreviations!

V & V might be vagina and vulva

Your cervix has to soften in order to efface and dilate.

1cm refers to the minimum dilation required for her to do a sweep. They have to be able to get a finger in which isn't possible if your cervix isn't soft or dilated at all.

Thanks! Very helpful

No, not guessing; I'm a GP. I also hate medical abbreviations... but use them all the time...

I was asking saucyjack who posted just before you as it was followed by a question mark.
Thanks though, really useful