New nurse, cervical checks, HELP

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I've been a nurse for nearly 9 years and I just recently moved to L&D 3 months ago. I have never felt 100% comfortable with my cervical exams, but I started feeling more confident and then I had a baby super low station, who I thought was 4 cm dilated and 50% effaced. The doctor was pissed the next morning and said she cervix was high and 1.5cm. It didn't help that the MD hsd stripped membranes eariler that day, i suplose. Low station, but high cervix, how is this possible and how do you know??? I can't stand another embarrassment with an MD. Help! I just want to be the best I can be!

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If you are not for aure, just have someone check behind you!

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Specializes in Birth center, LDRP, L&D, PP, nursing education.

This articleis awesome: The Elusive Cervix: Tips for Performing a lady partsl Exam – Rockford Midwifery

If baby is high, its not a low cervix. What did you feel that you thought was 4? Maybe we can help!

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I agree!

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Specializes in OB.

The head can be sitting in front of the cervix so it can seem to be low. I hope that makes sense. I am a new grad and just got 20 weeks of training in L and D. I have been on my own for a month now and I completely understand the mystery of the cervix. I dont hesitate to ask someone to check behind me if I am not sure.

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Specializes in LDRP; antepartum.

Baby can be sitting low in the pelvis but the cervix can still be "high." If you're not absolutely positive, it may not be a bad idea to check if the cervix is posterior. I know OB nurses with 10 years experience who will still have another nurse verify their check if they're not certain. Don't feel bad.

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