What to expect for dilation check?

tinne004 · February 2013

My first dilation check is next week, and I'm just curious/paranoid about what I'm in for. I imagined it would be similar to a pap smear with the whole feet in stirrups, weird plastic device holding my lady bits open, etc. I also heard there might be soreness or spotting afterward or the next day.

Any advice on the amount of pain/discomfort, and how long the check lasts would be greatly appreciated. I also realized my check is the day before Valentine's Day so... *ahem* do you think I'll be up for any romance the day after a dilation check?

lkm2006 · February 2013

Checks have never been painful or even uncomfortable for me. I have a higher pain tolerance so maybe that's why, but in my opinion, they are no big deal.

Basically your feet are in stirrups and your doctor will check with her hands.. No real instruments. I guess if your cervix is pretty far back it could be uncomfortable and take longer, but usually it's just a few seconds.

Cramping is also normal and I know it's caused some people to lose their mucus plug [me included]. I know spottig can be normal too but I would probably call if I experienced that.

pamelaam2468 · February 2013

In my experience it is no big deal. You do have your feet in the stirrups but all the doctor does is reach in and feel. With this being baby number 3 for me, I've had quite a few done and I've never had any soreness or pain or spotting afterwards. It is a bit awkward while it's being done just because someone has their hand up your you know what and some doctors really have to reach far in, but then it's over and I've always felt normally afterwards. Of course, I've read on here about some people being sore afterwards or spotting, but that has never been my experience.

BabyMayinMarch · February 2013

The checks I had done were without stirrups, just heels to bum and legs down. As the PP said just the reach and feel. I found it quite uncomfortable, but my cervix is slightly angled (according to the drs). It only takes a minute, and then you are done.

Abeja1226 · February 2013

Internal checks dont bother me for some reason. And they dont use that speculum, just fingers. There's a bit of pressure but that's about it, and I'm not sore or nething afterwards.

Rhea77 · February 2013

I had one just last week during an NST. It was really quick...less than a minute. I don't actually recall if she used a speculum to "open" me...she just stuck a gloved finger up there and felt around while pushing on my abdomen a bit. It was uncomfortable but no more so than a regular pelvic exam. And like I said, less than a minute. Thirty seconds even?? She said there might be some spotting afterward, but there wasn't. And no soreness or cramps or anything. She found out I was dilated to 1cm (in other words, she could fit one finger in the opening).

astarisborn · February 2013

It's not a big deal. Basically they put you in stirrups and the doctor uses a golved hand. She feels how dilated you are using only her fingers. It depends on how high your cervix is to how much discomfort you will feel from the insertion. In my experience, it really isn't that bad, just a little uncomfortable. Afterwards, I had some spotting, so don't be alarmed if you see blood. They told me to expect it (my cervix is REALLY sensitive) and that it should taper off to brown in 24 hours. As long as you aren't seeing bright red for days, you are completely fine!

mnj05 · February 2013

My first one was this morning. No stirrups for me, just heels together and knees spread. It didn't hurt and wasn't even uncomfortable to me at all and I don't have a high pain tolerance. It was really quick and did not involve instruments at all.

My doctor did day expect some spotting, but I haven't had any. I did have a cramp right after, while I was sitting up, but nothing else.

tinne004 · February 2013

Thanks ladies, that helps ease my mind a lot! Yeah I did the "feet together, knees spread" position for my strep B test, and honestly I think I prefer the stirrups :-/

markhamgurl · February 2013

I feel like the knees spread and heels to bum thing is so demeaning and humiliating. I'm very good at avoiding Pap smears, but last time I went to go get one, the Dr. asked me to assume the above mentioned position. Gawd, I can only imagine how unattractive that view must have been.

It makes me flush red with embarrassment just thinking about it, lol.

BabyMayinMarch · February 2013

markhamgurl:
I feel like the knees spread and heels to bum thing is so demeaning and humiliating. I'm very good at avoiding Pap smears, but last time I went to go get one, the Dr. asked me to assume the above mentioned position. Gawd, I can only imagine how unattractive that view must have been.
It makes me flush red with embarrassment just thinking about it, lol.

Really? I find the stirrups way worse, I feel like then they are right in your space more.

SevenThree2004 · February 2013

You will NOT be using stirrups to give birth, so getting used to the other position(lying with legs spread) is really the way to go...All modesty flies out the window in labor :-) Sorry :_)

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