Re: [ozmidwifery] Cervix position and labour duration

[mh]

Hi Simone, We note the position, length and consistency of the cervix as part of the vaginal assessment.  I have not found that a posterior cervix is an indicator of a prolonged labour, more an indicator of the readiness of the mother to go into labour; cervices are almost invariably posterior during pregnancy and only come forward to an anterior or midline position as labour progresses, whether it is premature or a term labour. It was explained to me as a student (long ago) that the posterior position and attitude of the cervix was a protective mechanism- the os being directed away from the introitus. Especially in first labours, the cervix tends to move from long, firm and posterior prior to or in early labour to thin, soft and anterior as  it is more established. Is this what you meant? Would you be doing your treatments actually during early labour? If it shortened the latent phase I think many women would be interested. What treatments do you have in mind? Monica ----- Original Message ----- From: Simone Keddy To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Wednesday, June 30, 2004 1:34 PM Subject: [ozmidwifery] Cervix position and labour duration Hi all,  I just have a question that some of you may be able to help me with.  I am an osteopath with a special interest in osteopathic care during pregnancy, having done post graduate studies in the UK.    One of the things we learnt about in our course was the position of the cervix and how that could affect the rate of dilation during labour.  The theory being that if the cervix is held posteriorly then the uterine contractions will not be pushing the baby's head directly over the cervix and thus decrease the rate of dilatation.   AS part of my course I spent some time observing midwives in the hospital setting in the UK.  I discussed this with them and they told me that they recorded the position of the cervix as being posterior or not during labour, but did not correlate this to predicted outcome.   So after all that blurb.. what I wanted to know is: in Australia is the position of the cervix noted? and secondly is there any correlation made to rate of dilation of the cervix?   I was wanting to know peoples opinion on this, since as an osteopath it is something that I could assess and offer some treatment for ( by addressing tension in the uterosacral ligaments etc.), thus hopefully helping the natural progression of labour.   I would be interested in any feedback that anyone may have.   And I must finish with saying that I really enjoy reading all the emails and I have learnt a lot from it. So thanks to all   Simone Keddy