How to Locate and Find the Cervix

One of the hardest things I had to learn when I first became an Obstetrics Nurse was how to locate and find the cervix.  This was difficult because until you find it, you're always in a state of guessing or thinking you're close to it.

The vaginal wall is very strong (being a muscle and all) but can be easily mistaken for the cervix depending on how far you advance your fingers.  And just like the cervix you can stretch and move the vaginal wall and really believe you're at the cervix.

BUT, unlike the cervix that has a thinner wall all the way around it that feels like when you poke your finger through a deflated water balloon hole, the vaginal wall does not.

If any of this sounds confusing or right on to you beginner OB nurses, go ahead and watch my video that explains more.

And if any of you are wondering how to check for dilation, station, or effacement check out my other post here