Q&A: Cervical Exams During Labor

Question

Does it increase your risk of infection to have cervical examinations during labor?

Answer

Research has shown that there is an increased risk of infection with multiple examinations if your labor is long. Typically, we will examine the patient in labor approximately every two hours until she is fully dilated. At that point examinations occur more frequently to see if the baby's head is coming down. Women who get infections in labor typically have very long and difficult labors.

Infections in the womb typically begin with bacteria that normally live in the vagina. These bacteria track up into the womb and infect the placenta and the membranes surrounding the baby. This occurs more frequently in women whose water breaks before they actually go into labor.

Signs of infection include fever and an increase in the baby's heart rate during labor -- usually more than 180 beats per minute. If a woman has an infection but has not gone into labor yet, the signs will include fever and will be accompanied by severe abdominal pain.

The information on this Web site is designed for educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical advice or care. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting your pediatrician or family doctor. Please consult a doctor with any questions or concerns you might have regarding your or your child's condition.