kateandlisaAs the cervix gets near full dilation, sometimes you can have a bit of cervix on one side that is still present and not on the other side. This is called a cervical lip. Usually this is an anterior lip which is thought to happen when the cervix gets caught between the pelvis and the baby’s head.
Anterior means towards the front of the mother so this area of the cervix would 
be closer to your pubic bone than your tail bone. A cervical lip can be caused for a variety of reasons, including when the pressure from the baby is uneven on the cervix.
You have options to try with a cervical lip. Your labor and delivery nurse, doula, doctor or midwife can help you decide which of these will be best for you. There are a couple of things that can help if you have a lip of cervix left.
Wait Before You Push
Sometimes a little bit of time is all that is needed for the cervix to finish dilating. This can be difficult, particularly if you are feeling the urge to push. Your labor nurse can suggest things to help relieve the feeling of contractions. One option to try to avoid pushing is lifting your chin way off your chest and blowing like you’re blowing birthday candles out.
Change Positions
Hands and knees, leaning forward, side-lying, etc. are all positions in labor that can help take the pressure off the cervix or to rotate a baby who is in a less favorable position. Talk to your labor and delivery nurse and ask which way the cervix is – sometimes certain positions will be better for certain types of lip. Between your medical team and your doula, you can get some great suggestions.
Hydrotherapy
Using a tub of water can help promote relaxation as well as weightlessness. This can also promote relaxation to help relieve pain while you wait for the cervix to finish dilating. Some hospitals do not have tubs or poos for use in labor. If this is the case, a shower can be helpful also.
Manually Reduce
This is done by the practitioner during a vaginal exam. The lip of cervix if moved over the baby’s head to allow the baby to come down further. This may take more than one contraction. It can also be done with coached pushing efforts as directed by your doctor or midwife.
For more information about birth services and resources, head over the my Holistic Birth Services page. Get in touch and we can set up services to help you have the birth you are desiring.
