Random question about cervical check

ArmyWife3311

I had to go to L&D yesterday and the nurse checked me. I am 1 cm but she was so freaking rough! She dug in there for at least 2-3 mins. She kept poking deeper and deeper saying she was trying to see if she could get it any farther.

I am now cramping and having lost of muscus and spotting (light pink and brown)

I have never had someone be so rough. Is it normal? Should I tell my Dr about her being so rough at my appointment?

Only time I have ever spotted or cramped after a check was when my Dr with my oldest stripped my membranes.

36 weeks 5 days..

ArmyWife3311

Thanks! I just never had it done so rough before. Hopefully when I go again (hopefully for real next time LOL) I wont get her for a nurse.

MrandMrsAndrews

Having had quite a few internals - I can tell you that some nurses/doctors have different methods/philosophies when it comes to internals. 

For instance, I had an internal last week when I went to L&D and the nurse said that she felt that I was about 2 fingertips, but didn't want to dig much deeper because she didn't want to irritate the area even more.  Then there are other nurses who check and you think that they are trying to reach up through your stomach or something! It just depends on what they are looking for - if the same nurse is checking you, then it is consistent and you don't have to really worry (if that makes sense - ie 1 cm = 1 cm to one nurse, where her 1 cm could equal more or less to a different nurse).  

The cramping and spotting is totally normal after an internal.  Sometimes I get it, sometimes I don't.  It sounds even more likely because she was so rough - no fun!! 

You could tell your doctor, but I am not sure what good it could do unless she works with that nurse on a regular basis.  You could tell her your concerns though - but doing it with the intention of hoping to change the nurse isn't really likely.  

 

ArmyWife3311

MrandMrsAndrews:

Having had quite a few internals - I can tell you that some nurses/doctors have different methods/philosophies when it comes to internals. 

For instance, I had an internal last week when I went to L&D and the nurse said that she felt that I was about 2 fingertips, but didn't want to dig much deeper because she didn't want to irritate the area even more.  Then there are other nurses who check and you think that they are trying to reach up through your stomach or something! It just depends on what they are looking for - if the same nurse is checking you, then it is consistent and you don't have to really worry (if that makes sense - ie 1 cm = 1 cm to one nurse, where her 1 cm could equal more or less to a different nurse).  

The cramping and spotting is totally normal after an internal.  Sometimes I get it, sometimes I don't.  It sounds even more likely because she was so rough - no fun!! 

You could tell your doctor, but I am not sure what good it could do unless she works with that nurse on a regular basis.  You could tell her your concerns though - but doing it with the intention of hoping to change the nurse isn't really likely.  

 

 

Thank you! I am glad it is normal.. It freaked me out.

 

Lissa832

My cervix is perpetually very high and posterior. The only way for me to be checked is to get man handled, lol. It was also that way with DS. During labor when my cervix was in position, it was much easier. I've actually had times where they couldn't reach my cervix because it was so high. Spotting, even with gentle practitioners, is very normal.

[Deleted User]

Why was she trying to "get it farther" at 36 weeks?  The spotting is normal, but an exam like that is not.  I would definitely tell my doctor, especially if it made me uncomfortable.

forensicmama

I've heard a lot of people on this board talk about rough or painful cervical checks, but I have NEVER had a painful cervical check. I've yet to have them yet with this pregnancy, but with my DD I had a male OB and I didn't feel uncomfortable at all. I did have spotting afterward, though - which is considered normal. I imagine cramping is as well. It sounds like your nurse was terribly rough. I'd definitely mention it to your doctor. And then I'd refuse to let anyone touch you down there unless absolutely necessary. And at nearly 37 weeks, it's not necessary to tell you the truth.

ebaier

overture:

Why was she trying to "get it farther" at 36 weeks?  The spotting is normal, but an exam like that is not.  I would definitely tell my doctor, especially if it made me uncomfortable.

This.  36 weeks and she is trying to force you to progress?  Seems odd to me.

 

cottonlily84

By "get it any farther" she probably meant she was trying to stretch you more open.  That is a big no no in my book.  I don't think they do that at my hospital but I'm telling every nurse who comes near me that "check" means just that and only that!  I would tell the dr too.  If anything makes you uncomfortable now's the time to speak up.  Otherwise its just becomes more and more standard.  It's a common thing at lots of hospitals already.  You hear women on tv saying the cervical checks hurt worse than most contractions.  Sorry you had to go through that. 

vab1216

I remember when I had DD and the nurse checked me she hurt me so bad. Worse than my dr ever had through all the cervical checks. You could say something but it is probably because they just dont have the experience the dr does with doing them.

ShawMich

I've had some pretty rough internals.  It's normal depending on the person who does it.