Let’s Talk About Vaginal Exams & That Outdated Labor Timeline!

If you’re pregnant or preparing for birth, chances are you’ve heard a lot about cervical dilation as if it’s the only thing that matters in labor. But here’s something you might not know: you don’t have to dilate on a schedule!

The Problem with Friedman’s Curve

Many providers still follow Friedman’s Curve, an outdated guideline from the 1950s that suggests labour should progress at a set rate which is often one centimeter per hour once active labor begins. If you don’t “keep up” with this timeline, interventions like Pitocin, artificial rupture of membranes, or even a C-section might be suggested.

But here’s the truth: birth doesn’t work like that. Every body, every baby, and every labour is different. Some people dilate for hours, then suddenly go from 4 to 10 cm in no time, while others follow a more gradual pattern but both are completely normal!

The Pressure of Vaginal Exams

Vaginal exams can be helpful when used with informed consent, but they can also create unnecessary pressure. Being told you’re “only” 3 cm after hours of labor can be discouraging, more so because dilation doesn’t always predict how much longer labor will last. Some providers rely too much on numbers instead of listening to what the birthing person actually needs.

Labor isn’t a race. Your body knows what to do, and you deserve care that respects your unique journey and not just a number on a chart.

A New Way to Look at Labor Progress

Instead of focusing solely on dilation, many birth professionals now use the “6 Signs of Progress” approach, which includes:

• Dilation (yes, it still matters, but it’s not everything!)

• Effacement (how thin the cervix is)

• Station (how low the baby is in the pelvis)

• Position (baby’s rotation and alignment)

• Contractions (their pattern and strength)

• Your instincts and feelings (because YOU matter!)

Your Birth, Your Timeline

If you’re feeling pressured by vaginal exams or a strict labor timeline, know that you have options. You can:

• Decline cervical checks unless they’re medically necessary or you want one

• Ask your provider about their approach to labor progress (Do they still follow Friedman’s Curve?)

• Work with a supportive birth team that respects your body’s natural process

Did you feel pressured by dilation checks during labor? Drop a ❤️ if you wish providers focused more on YOU, not just the numbers!