36 weeks ob appt

aprilmommmy10

I am kind of concerned about my ob care but because this is my first pregnancy, I?m not really sure if this is normal or not. I was 36 weeks yesterday and had an appointment; the doctor didn?t do an internal exam though ? just the strep B test. At this point I haven?t had an ultrasound or an internal exam since I was 18 weeks. The pregnancy is going smoothly so maybe that?s why but I?m starting to feel nervous. It?s also a large practice and I see a different doctor every time so that I have at least met the doctor who is on call when I deliver.
Is this typical or should I be concerned about the level of care I?m getting? Thanks!

jrose0126

I had both today...I can understand you wanting the internal, but mine was so painful! Yuck!  My practice is also big (7 MD's), however they do an internal every week starting at 36.  Maybe you should call them and ask what the norm is...maybe MD forgot.

acaudill042106

That is typical in a low risk pregnancy.  Be glad there's nothing too eventful going on.  It's also normal to have anxiety at this time...you're about to become a mommy and the fact that you're already worrying is a great sign you're gonna be great!  If you are truly concerned ask for some extra attention the next time you are there.  Make a list of questions or concerns you have and voice these at your next appt.  Also, internals aren't a good indication of anything really.  Unless you're suspecting leakage I don't see the point in em.

tlmommy2b:)

My ob didn't start internals until 37 weeks. She said with 1st time moms there is typically little point in doing them earlier and since they can be uncomfortable why put someone through extra ones. She also doesn't do growth u/s which are typically done at 36 weeks. She said she would give me a write up to get one but doesn't find them to be accurate and so she doesn't routinely do them. So, you are getting the same level of care I am and I am happy! I do see only my doctor each week which is a little different however. 

cherylnicole

I wouldn't be too worried, some docs don't do internals until the next week and I haven't had an ultrasound since 19 weeks

Vashon

I think its totally normal.  My MW won't be doing an internal exam until 38 weeks, I believe because she said it wouldn't change her course of care for me and the baby with the results of an internal.  Also, I think its completely normal to not have another ultrasound after your big one unless there is a reason for one.

Mrs.Beasly

acaudill042106:

That is typical in a low risk pregnancy.  Be glad there's nothing too eventful going on.  It's also normal to have anxiety at this time...you're about to become a mommy and the fact that you're already worrying is a great sign you're gonna be great!  If you are truly concerned ask for some extra attention the next time you are there.  Make a list of questions or concerns you have and voice these at your next appt.  Also, internals aren't a good indication of anything really.  Unless you're suspecting leakage I don't see the point in em.

ITA!

Also that's all I had with DD and that's all I'll have with DS at that next appointment; no internals, us only around 20 wk, and step test at 35/36 wk. There are 6 midwives and I see a different one each time for the same reason as you.

2bmrslove

I go to a large practice as well, 9 doctors. But I have my set doctor and only see him or his nurse. Maybe it has something to do with the person setting your appointments? Definitely call and ask if it's normal practice or just random issue you're having. I definitely find it odd that you're not seeing the same doctor. I wouldn't be concerned about having an internal and some doctors don't do more than one ultrasound. Did they give you a packet when you got pregnant that listed the details of each appointment and what to expect?  I at least know that I'll see the same dr/nurse each time I go in. I wouldn't be so concerned with seeing a different doctor as long as he's still addressing all of my concerns...but each and every time you get a different doctor seems weird.

amykins1283

My doctor's office doesn't start internals until 38 weeks so it's not unusual that you didn't get one.  Every practice has a different policy.  Also, it isn't abnormal to have your 20-ish week ultrasound be the last one of the pregnancy.  My office doesn't  do any extra ones unless they suspect a problem.  The only reason I had an ultrasound at 31 weeks was because they needed to check the position of my placenta and the only reason I got an internal at 37 weeks was because I was having some contractions and they wanted to see if I was dilating.  

 

katesmom73

Not all practices do internals and with my first I had one u/s at 20 weeks and none later.  The only reason I had another with this one was b/c of my placenta.  Otherwise, I wouldn't have had another one.  I do start NST's at 36 weeks but according to my dr that's b/c of my age (I'm AMA).

sturgeje

i think that is pretty typical for a normal pregnancy.  my OB does internals starting at 36 weeks but they aren't by any means totally necessary.  i wouldn't be concerned!  

cajungirl0717

I didn't get internals until 37 weeks.

ToBeMrsT

some doctors don't do internal exams and lots of them don't do them at 36 weeks.  Mine doesn't start checking until 38 weeks. 

Unless there are complications a lot of people only have the u/s around 20 weeks.  If everything is going fine there really isn't a reason to have another one.