Cervical massage can be a useful and at the same time gentle intervention when the date of birth calculated by the doctor has been slightly exceeded and the birth has not yet announced itself. The massage is usually performed by a midwife and is intended to stimulate the cervix in such a way that an increased amount of a labor hormone is released by the body. Thus, the induction of labor is stimulated in a natural way.
What is cervical massage?
The massage is usually performed by a midwife and is designed to stimulate the cervix in such a way that increased levels of a labor hormone are released by the body. Thus, the induction of labor is stimulated in a natural way. Cervical massage is a natural, gentle intervention to help induce labor. It is usually performed by a midwife or also a gynecologist. The person giving the treatment massages the cervix of the expectant mother with a finger. This is to stimulate the cervix. The aim is to make the cervix softer and more flexible, as well as to stimulate labor, which is often successful thanks to the release of the labor hormone oxytocin as a result of the cervical massage. In many cases, labor begins just a few hours after cervical massage is performed. Most often, cervical massage is used when the expected delivery date has been exceeded and labor has not yet begun, but at the same time there is no reason why the unborn child should be delivered as soon as possible. While other measures, which should stimulate or support the beginning of a birth, enjoy large admittingness and popularity, the cervix massage is for most humans a foreign word. Midwives not infrequently cause astonishment when they suggest this procedure to the expectant mother.
Function, effect and goals
Cervical massage is performed when the calculated date of birth has already passed and the body still seems to need a little stimulus to get the birth started. Another condition is that from a medical point of view there is no urgent need for the mother and child to induce birth as soon as possible. Cervical massage should always be performed by a midwife or, alternatively, by a gynecologist, and should be thoroughly discussed with the midwife or gynecologist in advance, so that the pregnant woman is informed about the procedure of the massage, the effect as well as possible side effects. The aim of the cervical massage is to stimulate the cervix so that it opens. This stimulates labor and induces birth in a natural way. The desired effect is the beginning of labor within the first two days after cervical massage. Many women react with the desired labor activity already in the course of the first hours after the cervical massage, but in other women the procedure has no effect. Cervical massage is a very natural procedure for induction of labor. The stimulation of the cervix is intended to stimulate the body to release more of the labor hormone oxytocin. In addition, a mechanical attempt is made to loosen the so-called eipol. This is the lower end of the amniotic sac, which lies directly behind the cervix. During the procedure, the expectant mother lies on her back in as comfortable a position as possible, where she can relax as much as possible. The midwife or gynecologist penetrates the woman with a finger and places it directly on the cervix. There, the finger is gently moved back and forth. Through a conversation should be clarified in the process, with what intensity it is most comfortable for the pregnant woman.
Risks, side effects and dangers
The most common side effect that occurs with cervical massage is pain during the application. The cervix is basically a very sensitive area of the body. However, some women are particularly sensitive to pain here. If the pregnant woman suffers from pain during the massage, she should immediately inform the attending midwife or physician so that he or she can adjust his or her technique accordingly. Pain can also occur if the cervix is not easily accessible. Performing a cervical massage is very uncomfortable for some women because the sensation during the procedure is very unfamiliar. Furthermore, massaging the cervix is perceived by many women as very intimate.Pregnant women with a pronounced sense of shame can therefore not relax sufficiently, which in turn can result in pain. This can be remedied by the use of breathing techniques for relaxation, which were learned in the courses for the preparation of pregnancy. In this context, cervical massage is a good practice for the implementation of said breathing techniques. Cervical massage does not always lead to the desired result. In some cases there is only spotting or irregular contractions. In some cases there is no effect at all. The best effect of cervical massage is usually achieved when the cervix is already soft. Many expectant mothers are afraid of possible infection from cervical massage. However, this fear is unfounded if appropriate hygiene standards are observed. As an alternative to cervical massage, other measures, usually performed by a midwife, can also support the induction of labor. These include extended walks, hot baths with essential oils, a foot reflexology massage, sexual intercourse or even an increased intake of cinnamon. In addition, every midwife has her own individual recipe for a so-called labor cocktail, which also frequently stimulates the uterus into labor.
