Cervical Lips in Labor: What They Are, How We Work With Them, and Why There’s Some Debate
If you’ve ever been in labor or hung out in birth spaces, you might have heard the term cervical lip. It sounds a little odd, but it’s actually really common. Let’s break it down so it feels less mysterious.
What is a Cervical Lip?
During labor, your cervix (the opening of your uterus) thins and opens to make way for your baby. Sometimes, instead of opening evenly all the way around, a small part of the cervix stays a bit thicker and hangs down like a “lip.” This usually happens at the front of the cervix and can make it feel like labor has stalled, even though your body is still working hard.
Cervical lips are not a sign that something is wrong. They’re simply part of the process for some birthing people.
How Common Are They?
More common than you think. Many people experience a cervical lip at some point in labor. It doesn’t mean your labor is broken or that you can’t birth your baby vaginally. It’s just one of those things that sometimes shows up along the way.
What I May Suggest During Labor
If a cervical lip comes up while I’m supporting you, I’ll look at your comfort and then suggest gentle ways to help your body along. Positioning is often one of the best tools we have. Some things I might encourage you to try are:
Hands and knees: This takes pressure off the cervix and gives it space to move out of the way.
Side-lying: Laying on one side can help relieve pressure and let things shift.
“Throne” position: Sitting upright with support can help your baby’s head apply more even pressure.
Asymmetrical positions: Like putting one leg up on a stool or the bed. These small changes can help your baby rotate and settle in a way that eases the lip.
The Controversy Around Cervical Lips
Here’s where things get a little debated. Some providers are quick to call a cervical lip “swelling” that needs to be corrected. Others see it as a normal variation that often works itself out with time and movement.
There’s also debate about manually reducing the lip—which means a provider uses their fingers during a contraction to try to move it out of the way. Some believe this can speed things up, while others caution it may cause swelling, discomfort, or even make things more frustrating.
As a doula, I don’t make medical decisions for you, but I do help you understand your choices. Sometimes waiting, resting, and trying new positions is enough. Other times, families may choose to try manual help. What matters most is that you feel informed, respected, and part of the decision-making.
Questions You Can Ask Your Provider
If you don’t have a doula with you, or if you just want to better understand what’s happening, here are some questions you can ask in the moment:
Is my baby in a position that makes a lip more likely?
Are there positions I can try to help the cervix move out of the way?
Is this a situation where resting for a while might help?
What are the risks and benefits of manually moving the lip?
How might this affect the timeline of labor?
Asking these questions can shift the experience from feeling powerless to feeling like you’re part of the team.
Cervical lips are a normal, common part of labor for many people. They can feel frustrating when you’re working so hard and just want to meet your baby, but they’re not a dead end. With support, positioning, and clear communication, your body often knows exactly what to do next.
