36 week internal exam

browneyedgoil · November 2011

does it hurt???

precbaby3 · November 2011

Depends on the doctor...not really painful just uncomfortable...nothing to fear:)

tosh24 · November 2011

It does for some women, doesn't for others. You won't know which category you fall into until you have it done.

For me (with DD) the internal just felt like...nothing, really. Kind of like a pap. I was surprised it was over, especially since I had heard the horror stories. I was also 3 cm dilated, so that probably had something to do with it not hurting much....it's not like the doctor had to force her way in there.

lageorgiapaperie · November 2011

I had my first at 34 weeks. It was no big deal at all, just slightly uncomfortable. I wasn't dilated or effaced at all, just soft.

emd2887 · November 2011

I wouldn't say it hurts, it's just a little uncomfortable, depending on the doctor. Sorry if this is TMI, but if the doctor has longer fingers and can more easily reach all the way, then it's not as bad.

TheBrowns · November 2011

I think it hurts!!!

McSquishy · November 2011

No, I don't find them painful. The only time I've considered an internal uncomfortable is when I've been about to go into labor or already in labor.

2gr8pits · November 2011

Mine was uncomfortable, but I have a woman doctor and am glad because I wouldn't want a man's fist all up in there! I would imagine it would be a little more uncomfy then, but not sure. It does feel like they are reaching for your throat though....my contractions are more painful than the internal was

Blondie3328 · November 2011

I think I am more scared for the internal checks than for labor itself

mbf124 · November 2011

Just had my first one. It doesn't hurt at all. I was expecting pain since I've heard so many horror stories, but honestly, it doesn't hurt.

KatieBlondie27 · November 2011

I had one at 32 weeks in Triage, and sorry to say it was incredibly painful

I was clutching the bed and screaming/crying. I hope I'm in the minority..

gina_bo_bena · November 2011

tosh24:
It does for some women, doesn't for others. You won't know which category you fall into until you have it done.

For me (with DD) the internal just felt like...nothing, really. Kind of like a pap. I was surprised it was over, especially since I had heard the horror stories. I was also 3 cm dilated, so that probably had something to do with it not hurting much....it's not like the doctor had to force her way in there.

Wait...they actually have to force their way into somewhere?? I thought they just checked the outside of things...yes, I realize it's called an "internal" - I guess I thought that just meant they would be checking you vaginally. I honestly didn't realize they actually had to go "in" anywhere. I'm blonde, I know Embarrassed lol

robynlynn83 · November 2011

I think it depends on your cevix. Mine is reeeeeaaaaalllly far back so it's quite a process and it hurts.

slmayer1981 · November 2011

2gr8pits:
Mine was uncomfortable, but I have a woman doctor and am glad because I wouldn't want a man's fist all up in there! I would imagine it would be a little more uncomfy then, but not sure. It does feel like they are reaching for your throat though....my contractions are more painful than the internal was

Excuse me, did you say "fist"?! OUCH! Now I'm scared. I wonder if I should start scheduling my last couple of appointments with a female Dr.

getnmarried910 · November 2011

I never thought it was painful, but uncomfortable. Depends on who does it though. It did hurt during labor when I'd have a contraction during an internal.

cutcopypaste · November 2011

gina_bo_bena:
tosh24:
It does for some women, doesn't for others. You won't know which category you fall into until you have it done.

For me (with DD) the internal just felt like...nothing, really. Kind of like a pap. I was surprised it was over, especially since I had heard the horror stories. I was also 3 cm dilated, so that probably had something to do with it not hurting much....it's not like the doctor had to force her way in there.
Wait...they actually have to force their way into somewhere?? I thought they just checked the outside of things...yes, I realize it's called an "internal" - I guess I thought that just meant they would be checking you vaginally. I honestly didn't realize they actually had to go "in" anywhere. I'm blonde, I know lol

When I got them I didn't think they were forcing their way into anything, just feeling around.

As to whether or not they hurt, yeah they hurt but it isn't excruciating. Imagine forcefully sticking two fingers into your vagina far enough up to feel your cervix. Definitely not comfortable. The further up they have to go to feel your cervix the worse it feels. No worse than a pap although I personally don't think paps are that bad.

stephers_7 · November 2011

I had one a couple of weeks ago and I didn't feel a thing. Might be a different story when you're already in labor.

fets10 · November 2011

I was scared, but just had one yesterday and I was surprised how easy it was for me. My cervix was totally closed and far up, too. I thought it was more comfortable than a pap and really quick, too. Hopefully it stays this easy for me...

NYGirl02 · November 2011

Mine was quite painful....all though the pain didn't last long. My doc does it at each appointment from here on out unless I decline and I am considering declining them....but I would actually like to know as things change down there.....so I will probably just tough it out. I am thinking about bringing a stress ball or something for next time.

jmlushbough · November 2011

It can be uncomfortable, but it's so brief. Seriously, if you can't handle the discomfort of the internal exam, I'm really nervous for your labor experience! Just breathe deeply and think happy thoughts. It'll be over before you know it. :-)

lauraua · November 2011

KatieBlondie27:
I had one at 32 weeks in Triage, and sorry to say it was incredibly painful I was clutching the bed and screaming/crying. I hope I'm in the minority..

This!

lauraua · November 2011

NYGirl02:
Mine was quite painful....all though the pain didn't last long. My doc does it at each appointment from here on out unless I decline and I am considering declining them....but I would actually like to know as things change down there.....so I will probably just tough it out. I am thinking about bringing a stress ball or something for next time.

This too! I've been thinking about declining them as well!

shanabonner · November 2011

I had mine a few weeks ago and it didnt hurt at all. They said I was high and closed and I still didnt think it hurt.

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