A cervical lip can disrupt the healthy progression of labor and delivery. When the edge of the cervix does not dilate properly during labor, it is called a cervical lip. A cervical lip occurs when the cervix dilates in an elongated manner during contractions and not in a circular manner.
 

How cervical lip affects childbirth?
 

A cervical lip can commandeer a healthy delivery by making it difficult to push the baby without any obstruction. The first stage of labor begins with the dilation of the cervix and ends when the cervix is completely dilated. 

 

In the second stage, the pushing of the baby begins. It is often referred to as the active stage. When the labor does not follow this pattern, intervention becomes necessary.

 

Ideally, in the first stage, the muscles of the uterus begin to contract. As the uterus contracts, the cervix is pulled up and it gets dilated. As the cervix starts dilating, the baby starts rotating and descending through the birth canal. However, sometimes the cervix doesn’t get dilated evenly. If the anterior part of the cervix doesn’t get dilated, it is termed a cervical lip. The anterior part of the cervix is closer to the pubic bone. If it doesn’t get dilated, it prevents the baby from passing through. Therefore, intervention becomes necessary to release the baby from getting caught.

 

How to resolve cervical lip
 

Here are some ways to resolve cervical lip. If these things do not resolve the issue, your doctor may use a vacuum or go for an emergency c-section delivery.

 

1. Wait for a while before you start pushing. If you push before the cervix is ​​dilated, it can affect delivery. Waiting for the cervix to dilate before pushing can help.
 

2.Change positions
 

3. Float on your back in the water
 

4. Walk for a while
 

5. Your doctor can manually push the cervix and help the baby come down

 

The cervical lip is a common condition. It is painful and requires patience and endurance. Your doctor and nurse will assist you to ease pain and have a healthy delivery. However, if you find the pain unbearable and your doctor is unable to manually remove the cervix, then you may require an emergency c-section.