Who's jabbing my cervix?

[jessikate]

I am being driven a little crazy by this munchkin poking me in the cervix all day long. Is this a common occurrence in late pregnancy (I'm 36 weeks yesterday )? I'm a bit concerned that this could mean that the baby could come out with its hand up by its face. I seem to recall some link between that and tearing... is this really something that could cause excessive tearing and should I be worried about it? Or do I really just need to relax and trust that the kid will put its hands elsewhere when the time comes? Okay, I know the answer to that, but play along with me here.

I will ask my midwife about this at my appointment on Tuesday, but it'd be nice to get other views on it.

Thanks!
JK

[MamaTara]

I know it sounds gross, but I've termed it "chewing on my cervix" because that's exactly what it feels like (although I know it's just some body part hitting against it). I'm 36 weeks pregnant on Tuesday and I've been having this for the last six weeks. I was told that it was quite common. Sometimes I get such a jolt I actually let out a yelp (dh loves this when we're driving).

I never heard about there being any connection between this and tearing. This is my third baby, third time with these sensations and I never tore or had an episiotomy before so....

I'd be interested to know if someone knows exactly why we get these pains.

Take care,
Tara

[chellemarie]

I know why I'm having these pains. Someone gave my precious baby a screwdriver for Christmas. He's been jabbing mommy's cervix with it ever since.

I try to picture him chiseling out my mucous plug when I have that pain. JAB HARDER, KID! Bring.it.on!

I'm sure it's a common sensation and I don't think it's related to tearing. Honestly, I've noticed it less in the last couple of days so I'm thinking he's pulled his hand out of the way. Hopefully to make more room for his head. That could be wishful thinking, though.

[gurumama]

When I was pregnant with ds2 my CNM told me it was a good thing that he was shoving a knitting needle through my crotch because it meant the cervix was stretching and getting ready for labor!

Then again, they told me AFTER I gave birth that they tell every patient they have a "roomy" pelvis that is good for birth (unless medically that's not true) because it is encouraging and helps moms to keep a positive attitude.

When I did finally go into labor with ds2, I had been at 3 cm, 80% effaced for more than a week, and the labor lasted 12 hours--only the last 2 hours were tough, I pushed for 20 minutes, and he came out after 8 pushes.

Good luck!

Mel

[jessikate]

Hmm... so is that where my missing screwdrivers and knitting needles are?

I'm glad it's nothing to worry about, just one more uncomfortable thing to live with for a few more weeks.

[lisamarie]

I had this w/my ds. It felt like he was poking me in my cervix and my midwife also told me that this is very common, but said nothing about the tearing.

Warmly~

Lisa