Anyone else declining cervical checks?

HeyThereGoodLookin

Just curious.

I went to the doctor because I was having UTI symptoms and they wanted to double check to make sure it wasn't pre-term labor, since I guess they can feel similar. She checked my cervix and, holy crap, OW! I've heard the words "pressure" and "uncomfortable" going along with cervical checks, but this actually hurt!

I didn't really find anything that said they were medically necessary. Apparently women dilate at so many different speeds that it isn't an indication of when you're having your baby. I understand if you're having symptoms of labor and they want to see how everything's going down there, but I'm definitely going to say "no thanks" if they're brought up at my routine OB visits. I don't think there's anything wrong with them, but I'd like to pass on any unnecessary pain.

Anyone else going to decline?

Mt2G1012

Except for certain medical reasons (ie, after a long bought of contractions for a day, she wanted to check and I agreed.  This was around 20 weeks), I am not having them before I go into labor.  I will get checked when I get to the hospital for a starting point and then again when I feel I need to push to make sure I'm fully dilated.  I don't feel the need to know otherwise and don't need fingers getting shoved up there all the time increasing my infection risk. 

karen3337

I had one at 29 weeks and it didn't hurt at all. Maybe you were just extra tender for some reason and it won't necessarily hurt as much next time?

FutureNichols

I know with DS, my old OB did them and I hated it.  It was so uncomfortable.  So with my new OB I asked that they not do them unless really needed.  They said they do not perform them unless for serious medical need or close to my due date.  

cchill01

I declined with DD.  In my case, there was no medical purpose.  Knowing that I wasn't dilated, wasn't going to make me go into labor.   In addition to the pain of a check - there's also a risk of infection and rupture.

With this LO, my provider will not even offer until 41wks, which is the deadline for my VBAC.  I chose her specifically because she believes in the natural birth process....instead of the medical process.

 

monef

So far my OB hasn't done any checks and she hasn't mentioned when she would want to start those.

Sawyerplus1

With DS I didn't have my first one until 40w 5d, but I wasn't declining them; they just weren't being offered (which was fine with me).

With DD I had one at 38 weeks and 39 weeks (OB practice as opposed to the MW practice before, so they were offered there and I didn't decline).

This time, again with MWs I dont expect them to be offered, so don't plan to get any again.

It's true, dilation (or lack thereof) has next to no indication of when labor will happen or not. There's no need for checks and they usually just cause anxiety for the mom-to-be.  

sam19

I will be having a c-section. I'm not even sure if my doctor does cervical checks for people having c-sections. But if he does I will decline. Unless I'm in PTL or something, I see absolutely no reason for them and think the information would be useless for a c-section patient.

HeyThereGoodLookin

I agree with you ladies. Especially about being stressed about how dilated you are or aren't during the last few weeks of pregnancy. Also a good point about risking infection by being poked and prodded.

karen3337:

I had one at 29 weeks and it didn't hurt at all. Maybe you were just extra tender for some reason and it won't necessarily hurt as much next time?

At my first OB appointment when my doctor did my pap, it didn't hurt at all. This time it was done by a nurse in L&D since my doctor's office is closed on Sundays. It didn't hurt when she touched it, but then she said she had to check for its thickness and pressed pretty hard. It could be that maybe I was sore or maybe she just wasn't very gentle.

Either way, if there's really no benefit to it I think I'm gonna say no thanks. Who knows, maybe they won't even ask.

nikkks84

monef:

So far my OB hasn't done any checks and she hasn't mentioned when she would want to start those.

This. however, i had a cervical check u/s at 22 weeks coz i had a bladder infection and blood in my urine. never had it manually though . i have never had any problem with the dildo u/s probe .. have had an internal exam before this pregnancy ..didnt find it uncomfy then . i dont think she is going to check my cervix before 36 weeks anyways.

katmacwv

My first will be at 35 weeks when I get the Group B strep test.  I believe he will check again at 38 weeks, but I don't want to do that one since we're planning a repeat c-section anyway.  I don't know whether I will out and out decline if he really believes it is necessary.

daisysle

monef:

So far my OB hasn't done any checks and she hasn't mentioned when she would want to start those.

This.

I have an appointment on Wednesday so maybe I will ask if she plans do any cervical checks. 

allisonmarie22

I'm agreeing to cervical checks before I go into labor because I'm on bedrest and I feel better having things checked out.  It hurts, but whatever...my babies well being is worth it.

Once I go in to labor, no. I will not submit to anymore checks until I feel the urge to push.

bethj516

I had one yesterday and it hurt! I was having a lot of contractions and they wanted to make sure I wasn't going into PTL so it made sense to have one, but I don't think I will be getting them at regular appointments.

amberlynnr7

I've gotten a few (from the few scares I've had) & I do think they are necessary for medical reasons.

But like you said...unless there are signs of labor, I really feel they are unnecessary. & WAY too painful to be worth it for any other reason.