What is an anterior lip during labor?

During labor, the cervix of a pregnant woman may develop an anterior lip, also known as a cervical lip or an anterior cervical lip. This occurs when a small part of the cervix fails to fully dilate and gets caught on the baby's head as it descends down the birth canal.

An anterior lip can make the pushing stage of labor more difficult and prolonged, as the lip may hinder the baby's descent and cause the cervix to swell and become more painful. This can lead to increased discomfort and fatigue for the laboring woman.

To address an anterior lip during labor, healthcare providers may recommend changing positions to help the cervix continue to dilate and encourage the baby's descent. In some cases, manual manipulation or pushing the cervix out of the way may be necessary. In rare cases, a healthcare provider may recommend a vaginal exam to manually push the lip out of the way to allow the baby to descend.

Overall, it is essential for healthcare providers to monitor and manage the anterior lip during labor to ensure the safe and successful delivery of the baby.