anyone NOT getting a vaginal exam?

scarlett2288 · August 2009

.....why or why not?

I had my first one last week (37wks) and needless to say, i spotted, had cramps, and LO's movements changed up (almost like he was agitated by the intrusion). Tomorrow I have an appt. and I know my OBGYN will do another.... I'd like for him to wait until i'm 40wks b/c I don't want the exam to induce labor.
Just looking for some insight/opinions b/c i'm kind of unsure of which way to go tomorrow...

lovesazzie · August 2009

I won't be having any until 40 weeks because I think they are pointless and uncomfortable.

karin&ben · August 2009

I'm not, but I am a scheduled c-section and my doc doesn't do them for those. Can't say I am sorry to miss out.

smilelari · August 2009

I'm planning on declining. Just can't think of a good reason to have them considering that "progress" means basically nothing and they introduce an infection risk

kfuss4 · August 2009

I havent talked to my OB and she hasnt mentioned it yet. But I want to wait until im at LEAST 39 wks before getting one. I feel like Ill be setting myself up for disappointment, and I will begin to think every little thing might be a sign of labor. With a healthy pregnancy, I dont really see the reasoning behind getting one.

nykola · August 2009

Nope not getting one. I have a midwife (CNRP) and the practice I go to is all about just letting the body do its thing minus invasive processes like internals or stripping membranes, etc. But that's general midwifery philosophy, I'm told.

The way I see it, hey, there will be PLENTY of people with their hands up my bajingo come d-day. No sense starting the process early.

lilone_06 · August 2009

I'm in Australia and they don't do them here. Now that I've given it some thought, I see why. They're pointless.

If I were you I would certainly ask your doctor to wait, and let him explain why not, if his policy is not to. Doesn't hurt to ask.

acherryfamily · August 2009

I have not had one yet and I have my 38 week appt tomorrow. I'm actually really frustrated that I haven't. I had kaiser insurance last time and they did quite a few which didn't bother me at all. I'm hoping to have an internal tomorrow so i'll know where i'm at (or where LO is at

) ).

mislogis · August 2009

I never had one with DD and I dont plan on having one with this DD. my first internal was when I was admitted to the hospital with contractions.

I had to have one when I had to go to labor and delivery at 32 weeks, it was very uncomfortable and invasive.

I have an appt thursday and need to make sure me and doc are all on the same page. I had to see another dr in the practice since my OB was on vacation and then had a death in the family.

dottymobo · August 2009

I asked when they would start, preparing to decline anyways, and my CNM said that they didn't do them at all, as they are pointless.

sam19 · August 2009

Waiting until I go overdue to get internals. I think they are pointless, uncomfortable and something that will just get my hopes up or disappoint me.

GoombaGirl_79 · August 2009

nykola:
Nope not getting one. I have a midwife (CNRP) and the practice I go to is all about just letting the body do its thing minus invasive processes like internals or stripping membranes, etc. But that's general midwifery philosophy, I'm told.
The way I see it, hey, there will be PLENTY of people with their hands up my bajingo come d-day. No sense starting the process early.

I'm also with a midwife, and have yet to have an internal exam (I'll be 40 weeks as of this Thursday). She says if I haven't gone into labour by Thursday which is my next appointment, she will offer to do an internal exam. She only does internal exams if she is going to do a membrane sweep which is why she is offering to do so my next visit. I don't know if I will go for it or not. She said it doesn't cause any harm other then maybe a bit of uncomfort and possible spotting for a little while, and that it will only start labour if things are trying to get going. Hmmm decisions.

Manderlin923 · August 2009

Nope, I'm not getting internals till my due date. I don't see a point because they don't tell you when you'll go into labor and I think a lot of women get really disapointed if they have no "progress" from week to week. Plus the risk of infection and pain isn't worth it to me.

If you are not comfortable with it, just decline. They can't make you do anything

Good luck...

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