Declining internals?

iuplori

Now that I'm down to my weekly appointments, my OB practice said that the internal exams are optional since I'm having a planned c/s. I had them all with my first before leading up to an unplanned c/s, and had them with my second since I was planning a vbac, but never went into labor so that was a repeat c/s. What are your experiences with this? Is there a pressing reason to have or decline them?

SarahRae85

There's technically not a pressing need to have them for a vaginal birth. They're essentially meaningless, and doubly so when you're planning a RCS.

I didn't have them for my first two pregnancies at all (except when I was admitted after a car accident at 33 weeks with my 2nd and they wanted to be sure the contractions weren't doing anything)

ETA: I did them with my 3rd, since I was planning a VBAC. They did play a part in deciding for a RCS, but they were kind of at the bottom of the list that changed my mind.

harmonicbabe26

I had a cs due to baby being frank breech. We knew her position at 32w or so, and they were checking every time since that point, she never turned. I never had any internal exams either. I can't imagine why you would need/want them if you are having a planned cs.

IrishTraveler

I just had a RCS, and I didn't have any internals. There really was no need for it since the CS was planned.

mcgeeva

Bc I was having a repeat CS I was told they would not do internals. Why chance going into labor before your cs date. That is why my doctors wouldn't do it. 

heatherwhite1984

i did not have one internal my entire pregnancy. my midwife said they were not needed. i ended up having a csection and she said even during labor i was not going to need to have an internal. with any future children i will still decide to not have an internal, i will not object with any immediate health/safety concerns of the baby. i chose not to have any due to possible infections that my arise due to frequent checking, and they are not completely accurate.

okayestmom12

I had a c/s due to breech position. My OB did one internal at 35w but I declined them after.
I'll have an RCS this time around and will deny them fully - no need for them IMO with a scheduled section.