Starting weekly appointments today...

angela176 · May 2012

And not looking forward to the internal exams! I'm being a baby and don't want it to hurt!! I am pretty sure I won't even be dialated so what is the point ugh. Vent over lol.

FutureMrsFezz · May 2012

I don't think they hurt, it's more uncomfortable then anything. Don't worry!

HiggyFan42 · May 2012

I actually go twice weekly and have not had any internal exams yet. So maybe your doctor won't do them?

angela176 · May 2012

HiggyFan42:
I actually go twice weekly and have not had any internal exams yet. So maybe your doctor won't do them?

No, I was told they start them at 36 weeks. Hopefully it's just more uncomfortable than painful

jandb2011 · May 2012

My weekly appts start tomorrow. You can tell your Dr. that you don't want internals. Most don't even care. Not only that, but even if you have dialated or softened some, there's still no point. It won't give any indication of when you might go into labor.

The only time I plan to be checked is when I'm being admitted to the hospital (hospital policy) and maybe when I feel like I'm ready to push. My Dr. is totally okay with this.

jparrish1 · May 2012

I've been doing weekly since 32 weeks and still haven't had an internal. He didn't even do one with the GBS test.

namies0819 · May 2012

I went yesterday for my GBS test and the Dr. did an internal check. Honestly I felt next to nothing. Nowhere near as uncomfortable as a regular annual exam. I was also concerned that it would be painful or uncomfortable, but was pleasantly surprised. I won't be turning mine down because even though I know it means nothing, I am just too curious about what is happening, and it was kind of fun to hear that dilation had begun already (just at 1 cm) and I was 50 % effaced.

lemon.sarie · May 2012

You can always chose not to have one - it really is optional for most people. For a first baby - unless you have other signs, I'd probably not bother until 38-39 weeks if you're curious.