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Talk to me about internals. . .and GBS test

cateyecateye
in 3rd Trimester

My doctor said they will start internals at my 36 week appointment.  I never had internals with DD (she was born early) and I'm kind of wondering what the point is.  I have no interest in knowing how dilated or effaced I am as I don't think it is a good indication of impending delivery.  Other than that, is there a purpose for the doctor?  Has anyone declined internals?  What was your doctor's reaction?  I plan to ask all this at my next appointment, but wanted to see how others feel about it/handled it, too.

Also, how is the GBS test conducted?  Again, since DD was early, I never had it. . .I'm assuming it is an internal swab?  

Thanks. . .

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Re: Talk to me about internals. . .and GBS test

  • nalgitas66966nalgitas66966

    I just had both of mine yesturday.

    For the GBS they swab your vagina and anal region and that's it. Not painful AT ALL!!
    The internal...that was just uncomfortalbe. The Dr. put a finger inside my vagina and I felt a lot of pressure. It was real quick tho, and I haven't really had any cramping or bleeding that can sometimes happen along with it. GL!

     

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  • AggieGrlAggieGrl

    From the internals, they can also feel the baby's position, making sure they are head down and engaging.  This is important if you haven't had a recent ultrasound.  I would get one initial internal if you haven't had an ultrasound to make sure the baby isn't breech, then you can decline.

    GBS is just a quick swab of your vagina and the outside of your rectum.

    DS 12/09, Twins EDD 11/11
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  • ScissorTailedFlycatcherScissorTailedFlycatcher member
    If you go in because of PTL, this is when they are absolutely necessary. They are also necessary if you are unsure about your water breaking. You can also get them done after you are full term to speed up progression. Other than that, you can deny them if you want, but it's no biggy.
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  • pari022pari022
    Yea i have my first internal last week along with the GBS swab.  The swab was just a big q-tip, one for the vagina and one for the rectum and that was it.  It doesn't hurt.  I think the internal pain or lack there of is totally dependent upon each woman.  Also my doc doesn't do internals every week, just last week bc of the swab.  I did not have one this week and it was kind of nice to not hear about no progression.  I'm sure you're doctor will respect your wishes.  Honestly there's no need for internals unless there is a concern.
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  • aocain02@yahoo.comaocain02@yahoo.com member
    GBS was a super quick swab of my vagina...didn't go around the butt or I just didn't feel it. My OB doesn't do internals until 38-39 weeks and only does one.
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  • Anna&MattAnna&Matt member
    I had both last week when they weren't sure if my water had broken - not that bad. The internal was a little uncomfortable but nothing to get that worked up over. The GBS was no worse than a pap smear.
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  • SkruffySkruffy member
    i believe you CAN request to not have an internal, if you wish to do so. They are really fast, though. Just a quick check. 
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  • AdamsWife08AdamsWife08

    I had my first internal yesterday and it was just uncomfortable, nothing to fret about.  Dr just puts a finger in the vagina to feel if cervix is open at all.  For the GBS test he just took a big q-tip swabbed the vagina and down towards the rectum.  It was quick and painless.

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  • woolgatheredwoolgathered

    I had an internal at 36 weeks at my OB's office, and it wasn't painful. When my induction failed, a nurse in L&D gave me an internal, as well as the OB on call, and they HURT LIKE HELL. Then yesterday at my 38 week appt, I had another internal at my OB's office, and  *surprise* - no pain!

    I am now convinced that it depends on who gives them.

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  • emmyloustuemmyloustu

    You can usually decline them. They are 100% optional at my practice until 40w and then they have to assess what is going on. I opted to have one when they did my GBS swab because he wanted to check my pelvic outlet as well, so I figured since he was already in there...I did not find it uncomfortable at all and I was actually encouraged to learn I had made progress.

    GBS not invasive at all, much less so than a pap, but the qtip looks the same. 

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  • BethNittanyBethNittany
    I didn't have any internals with my DS either because he was early  (37 wks).  I talked to my doula about it and I am going to decline internals until I am in labor this time around...
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  • cateyecateye

    Thank you for all the feedback!! 

    I am getting an u/s by 35 weeks and another one around 38 or 39, so they should be able to tell LO's position, whether my cervix is open, etc.  Although I delivered DD early, I'm pretty low risk of delivering early again. . .

    And I'm not so worried about the pain from internals. . .I remember them being uncomfortable when I was in labor with DD, but eh.  Really, I'm worried about how to manage getting undressed, etc. with my two year old.  I don't have anyone to watch her while I'm at the doctors, so I normally bring her.  And I'm not a fan of spreading it for all to see, so I just don't see the point in dealing with the whole situation if they aren't going to find out anything important. 

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