Midwives don't do internal exams?

lexieberry

I guess midwives (or at least mine) don't do internal exams and check the cervix for dilation and whatnot...I have my weekly appts and never am asked. I thought it was common procedure, but with OB/Gyn's only? I kinda want to know if I have any progress so far at this point, but I just read that they don't to reduce the risk of infection or if you are lower risk....anyone else w/ a midwife that doesn't or does do internal exams?

bethios

I think it entirely depends on the midwife.  Mine did one at my last appointment because I was having some spotting issues so as to rule out preterm labor.  But I know they are standard practice for my midwife at 36 weeks. 

sbost0118

My midwife originally said that they may check around 38 weeks if I want, but it's optional. 

At my last appt (36 wk) she asked if I wanted her to check since I was having my GBS test done that day anyway.  Now that I have a baseline (1cm / 50%effaced) I may opt for an internal at my last few visits just for my own curiosity.  But they have said it's entirely optional unless I have signs of labor.

skibunny59

My midwife doesn't do internals until your due date or unless you request one.

hollyg1920

My OB does not do internal exams until you are in labor.  My previous OB did not do internal exams either.  My 1st OB did do internal exams from 37 weeks on.

This is baby 3 so Im like eh about internal exams.  I walked around 2cm, 50% effaced for 3 weeks with DS1 and when I went into labor with DD I was 1cm, 80% effaced and delivered 5 hours later.

I know some like to know....but they really do mean nothing...you could be 3cm for weeks or be high and closed and have a baby that day.

ke19

skibunny59:

My midwife doesn't do internals until your due date or unless you request one.

Same with mine - I won't get one until 40 weeks and even then, I would be able to decline (which I plan on doing). There's really no point of them in a low risk mother as it can't really tell you anything and you just risk the chance of infection, etc. I don't plan on getting one until I'm in active labor in the hospital. 

Under.the.Rose

There's not much point to doing internal exams... it won't change when you're going into labour and it can't give any indication of when that will be happening. My midwives didn't do any internal exams until right at the very end of my pregnancy with Connor (maybe 38-39 weeks?) and only because I asked. 

SWBs Wifey

I plan to decline all checks except the one that is necessary for being admitted to the hospital/birthing center.  Completely normal to have them or not, basedonmom's preference, at the group I go to.

Sawyerplus1

I'm sure it depends on the MW and the practice but I think it's much less common for MWs to do internals than OBs.  With DS my MW didn't offer an internal until after 40 weeks. 

As PPs have said, internals really dont have much use. Your dilation (or lack thereof) before your EDD has little to no bearing on when you'll go into labor. Some women can dilate early, but  stay that way and end up going over. Other women can show no progress, but dilate very quickly and have LO before EDD. There's really no way to know, even based on dilation, how things will go for you. And of course, the more internals, the more risk of infection, water accidentally breaking, etc. And they're almost guaranteed to create anxiety in a new mom who either expects labor to happen soon (due to dilation), or that it'll never happen (due to lack of progress).

If you really really want one you can ask if they'd do one. Or alternatively, if you're offered one, you have every right to refuse. 

WildcatPrincess

skibunny59:

My midwife doesn't do internals until your due date or unless you request one.

Same here and that's just fine with me! Especially since I have to bring DD with me to appoints.

JNoelleE

Most midwives are all about the most natural approach to childbirth, so in their mind if there's no reason to do one, why do one. (As a lot of people don't see it to be an accurate indicator of when or how long your labor will be) But, I think if you ask for one or let them know you are interested, they will be happy to do it for you. At least that's how mine are at where I'm delivering.

BitsKD13

Neither the midwife of the OBs at the practice I go to do internals till 40 weeks unless something is going on- bleeding, etc.  You really don't learn much from them.  I know women who were around 4 cm for weeks and didn't deliver till after their EDD.

laurack

I was delighted to hear my place doesn't do them! She said there is no point to them really, in a healthy pregnancy. If I am overdue then they will probably do one.