Wash your hands thoroughly
Find a private, comfortable place
Empty your bladder
Lie down or squat with knees bent and relaxed
Insert one or two clean fingers gently into the vagina
Feel for the cervix, which is firm and round like the tip of the nose
Check whether the cervix feels closed, slightly open, or open wider
Estimate dilation by how many fingertip widths the opening seems to allow
Check the cervix position, softness, and height if needed
Stop if you feel pain, bleeding, or strong discomfort
Avoid checking if your water has broken, you have heavy bleeding, or you suspect infection
Contact a healthcare professional for an accurate assessment