I started on my labor and delivery (L&D) rotation last Thursday--and it has been challenging, to say the least. The most difficult part of L&D also happens to be the part on which everything else hinges: the cervical check. Deciding whether to admit a patient? Do a cervical check! Wondering if it's time to call the anesthesiologist for an epidural? Check the cervix! Questioning the progress of labor? Cervix! Why is this such a problem? Imagine introducing yourself for the first time to a woman who (at worst) is screaming and writhing in pain and (at best) is extremely uncomfortable, then saying, "I'll need to check your cervix." Translation: We just met, and you have a human being trying to escape from your body...but can you please get in a frog-leg position so that I can stick my hand in your vagina? Not only is it painful for the soon-to-be mom, but given my lack of experience with palpating squishy objects that are hidden from my vision in narrow spaces...