Declining internal?

ENev

Have any of you declined an internal exam?

I think I'm going to try and 'opt out' at my appointment today. I know they had to go in there last week anyway because of the Group B strep test, but after my appt last week, I had contractions and cramping and nausea for hours - I seriously thought I was going into labor. I never had any of that after an internal with my son.

I just don't want that again today for no reason - I don't really care how dilated I am since I know it's really not a good predictor of anything anyway!

Wondering if they'll think I'm being difficult if I don't want one today. 

elizxu

I opted out yesterday. The Dr wasn't thrilled, but didn't push it. I'll probably get one next week (I like the provider I'm seeing then much better).

roxyu

I'm curious about this too.  They told me I have a very long birth canal-which really means they have to use my shoulder as leverage to get the other hand up there far enough to check me.  It's painful and evasive.  I don't really see the need.  I never had the nerve to decline before, but would really like to.  

salt78

If they want to do one next week, I will probably go for it just out of curiosity and because they will be down there anyway for the GBS test. Beyond that though, I really don't want to know where I stand, so I will probably decline (and hope they don't give me an attitude about it).

katcarls

I declined them during my last pregnancy and I'm planning to do the same this time.  The information is meaningless so I don't see the point in going through the discomfort.  You'd also be surprised how many OBs take the opportunity to strip your membranes without your permission.  That could be what happened to you last week.  My MW was completely supportive and she didn't act like I was being difficult at all.

PhysChic7685

My current OB doesn't do them unless you ask (well, the nurse asks if you want one).  In fact, one of the MWs in the office even said that, unless I had any problems or really wanted the internal, I didn't need to come in every week.

Lina1030

I did w/DS until 40 weeks and will decline until I hit 40 weeks again.  It is pointless.  W/DD I did not decline (different mindset/education on my behalf 10 years ago)...I was not dialated at all until the day I delivered.  W/DS I was 3-4 cm at 40 weeks (not sure how long before that)...then at 40 weeks 5 days (my last appt before he was born) I was  "a good 4 cm".  I want the least medical intervention possible.

elainej

Decline it! Who cares if they think you're being difficult?

SeptemberBride'08

I haven't had any

nonoemily

I won't have one unless I go waaay past my due date, but I have a feeling that's not going to happen. My midwife only mentioned to me this week that I was welcome to request one at any time, but they don't offer them.

llc730

I would just discuss it with your provider. A good one should be able to give you the pros and cons and let you make the decision. I see the "high-risk" OB in my practice (not because I am but when I switched from my NP because she doesn't deliver it was just who happened to be available). Since he is used to seeing all kinds of complications, when he has a normal healthy pregnancy he is more than willing to be "hands off". I had internals at 36 wks and 39 wks last time. I will probably do the 36 wk one because of the GBS but I don't really plan on having another unless there is a good reason.

Julia_JJ

I'd decline. My OB didn't do them as a practice until 39 weeks, and then I only opted in for one because she was going to send me to the hospital to ripen my cervix (I had PIH and my BP was so high she didn't want me to wait any longer and have a stroke).

mrs+harlow

katcarls:

I declined them during my last pregnancy and I'm planning to do the same this time.  The information is meaningless so I don't see the point in going through the discomfort.  You'd also be surprised how many OBs take the opportunity to strip your membranes without your permission.  That could be what happened to you last week.  My MW was completely supportive and she didn't act like I was being difficult at all.

 

Omg that is so scary!!! Without permission?! 

SheenaNash1

I'm declining all of them unless there is an issue and its done for a specific reason. Luckily my dr is totally on board with that, so theres no judgement from her. I just dont see the point of them.

9/13/08

I declined mine at 38 weeks with no problem.  There really is no point, with DD I was totally closed on Friday, my water broke on Saturday and when I got to the hospital I was at 3cm.  

Suern9870

This is my 3rd pregnancy.  I haven't had an internal since my first visit to the OB (I was due for a pap smear).  With my prior 2 pregnancies, they never did an internal until I was in labor at the hospital.  (I'm not counting the group B swab as an internal).  

skibunny59

It's your choice and your body.  I plan on declining all internals until 40 weeks.

spunkyprincessmande

My midwife doesn't routinely do them since they're generally pointless.  When I was pregnant with Micah I think I got two internals b/c we were going back and forth about being induced due to high blood pressure.  She wanted to see if I was dilated at all yet to gauge how an induction might go. 

returnhomegnome

Internals for valid medical tests are fine with me, but I decline all internals to check dilation and effacement (my new practice doesn't even do them unless checking for something specific) is totally pointless and can even cause infection.

So yeah, decline away. There's no point to them unless they're testing for something. 

ENev

Thanks folks - I declined and it was fine with them.