No internals until labor...

KansasFarmMomma · October 2011

My doctor informed me yesterday when I asked when he was going to start internal exams that I would have one at 36 weeks to check LO's position, and then after that they don't do any more until you go into labor. He said he doesn't really feel they are accurate or necessary because some women can walk around for weeks 1 or 2 cm dilated. Anyone else's doc the same way?

JNicMTek · October 2011

I haven't asked with this practice yet, but with DD1, they wouldn't to an internal until 40w. Same reasons your doc stated, those "progress" indicators mean nothing without labor.

haleymay18 · October 2011

My midwives don't check unless they have a reason to (i.e. preterm labor, labor, etc).

I agree with your dr. and there is a increased risk in infection and they are so uncomfortable, I prefer to not have them, EVER

lijuan09 · October 2011

My OB told me pretty much the same thing, only I think he said 37 or 38 weeks would be the only one. I was so relieved to hear him say that! But unfortunately I have to switch doctors since we're moving, and I'm not sure what the new OB's policy is.

Lexie Marie · October 2011

My doctor told us that they dont do any internal exams unless you are complaining about something/having issues. Which at first I thought was odd because I thought these were normal... I have to rotate through 3 doctors so I am going to ask the other 2 and see what there response is about it as well.

Moozilla11 · October 2011

Because of the problems I had with DD when I was in labor he wants to check every 2 weeks so that way we dont get any surprises. I am just glad he is super gentle and makes it so you barely feel a thing. With DD I didnt feel anything not even an ache or tinge of pain and found out that I was dilated to an 8 and she was breech trying to make a run for it. I had no clue until it was almost to late.

chankins14 · October 2011

My MW doesn't do them at all. She can tell the position from the outside. So unless they think there's a problem, I won't spread my legs for my MW until game time.

LDQAM516 · October 2011

In my opinion...that is actually a blessing in disguise. It is insanely frustrating to go to each appointment hoping for some sort of progress...and only to be disappointed when you find out there isn't any change...makes the weeks drag! So with our second I asked to not be checked...which they were fine with until I reached my due date...definitely easier on the mind!

lageorgiapaperie · October 2011

I actually got checked for the first time yesterday! I had been having contractions over the weekend (nothing too major) and told my doctor I had a dream that she was going to check me, haha! I think she did it just to humor me, but it wasn't nearly as bad as I thought it would be. Maybe b/c I'm not dilated at all yet?

dottymobo · October 2011

None for me unless issues either- last time I got one at 41w, but I think it was just because I was getting membranes stripped. Works for me!

indomesticbliss · October 2011

None unless medically necessary or requested by patient is the policy of my midwives. During labor I was only checked when I got to the hospital and when my midwife thought I was getting ready for transition-which she was completely correct.

Happily Overwhelmed · October 2011

I haven't asked. However, my paperwork from the doctor says I'll have one at 36 weeks. It talks more about a certain baterial check though than actually caring about dilation.

Otherwise from the sound of it they just wait for the water to break, heavy labor pains, or for me to be past due before they take another step with it.

MYLYNDA · October 2011

I get a swab at 36 but she wont check me until im "due"

rschaffer · October 2011

I wish this were the case at my practice. I just had my 32 week appt yesterday and my OB did an internal after my group B strep swab. Seriously- Is that really necessary? I was kinda ticked because he didn't say anything about it- just did it.

AFWife10 · October 2011

I just got back from my 35 week appointment and was told internals would start at 37 weeks. I don't know how I feel about that....

indiana101 · October 2011

haleymay18:

My midwives don't check unless they have a reason to (i.e. preterm labor, labor, etc).

I agree with your dr. and there is a increased risk in infection and they are so uncomfortable, I prefer to not have them, EVER

All of this! They're unecessary and uncomfortable, so I wouldn't opt for one unless it was absolutely medically necessary.

To others posters out there, you can decline them at your appointments if you do not want one. I would at the very least ask why it was necessary before I let anyone up there.

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No internals until labor...

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