To VE or not to VE - that is the question

KmfMjf1024 · February 2013

Hello all,

I'm 39 weeks today and the past couple of days have been rough - I've been feeling like I have a bad case of PMS: back aches and stomach cramps that won't quit, plus teenage style breakouts and big time irritability. The pain will intensify once in a while but I don't feel like it's anything I can really time. I can talk through all of it but it has made me anxious and made me cry a couple times in the last 48 hours. Pelvic/rectal pressure definitely going on as well. I will say I feel better today than I did yesterday, though.

I'm going in for an appointment tomorrow and am tempted to get a VE to see if any of this is causing cervical progress - although my provider says they won't check until 41 weeks unless I ask. I had planned to follow this policy and wait til 41 weeks (assuming I made it that long) because it makes sense with the birth plan we have put together - ride the ups and downs of these last few days out, my body will tell me when it's go time.

I know every case is different and its hard to give advice for individual cases, but what feedback do you have? Assuming things don't get more intense/predictable/consistent, is it best to ride it out?

Thanks in advance for your advice and support

tokenhoser · February 2013

I assume VE somehow stands for cervical checks?

I didn't have any. I gave birth on DS's due date. I don't plan to get any this time unless I'm late enough we're talking induction. I just don't like being poked in the cervix and don't think they give any useful information.

KmfMjf1024 · February 2013

Yup, sorry - VE= vaginal exam. I would also prefer to wait - I guess I am just wondering if how I'm feeling presents any cause for concern? I feel like this wasn't covered in any of my classes or books. Silly, I know.

tokenhoser · February 2013

I'd say how you're feeling means you'll probably have a baby sometime in the next 3 weeks. I don't think it's cause for concern.

aylafsu88 · February 2013

You could get an exam if you want but I do not know if it will tell you much. You can go from 0 cm to 5 cm in no time or hang out at 3 cm for weeks.

I did not have time able contractions when in labor. I never established a solid 5-1-1 or 4-1-1 pattern. Mine were all over the board with some 2 to 3 mins apart for a few contractions then 6 mins apart for a several contractions. They did build in intensity though. By the end I was unable to talk through them and I knew that LO would be coming soon. I would say if you do not feel them building in intensity then you are just having some intense BH contractions. I had lots of BH contractions and they never build in intensity or became time able. I will also say that when the real stuff started happening I knew I was in labor, I had a bloody show and my bowels were cleaning themselves out. The pressure you feel could also be due to LO dropping to get ready for labor. GL!

pepomntpat · February 2013

Wait. I had what you had and so I had a check at 40 weeks. NOTHING...zero, nada, zilch. I cried. I'd have been happier not knowing.

KmfMjf1024 · February 2013

tokenhoser:
I'd say how you're feeling means you'll probably have a baby sometime in the next 3 weeks. I don't think it's cause for concern.

Haha - well put. Thanks to everyone for the perspective. I think I'll continue to pass on the exam, it does seem like the right decision.

kaleb87 · February 2013

pepomntpat:
Wait. I had what you had and so I had a check at 40 weeks. NOTHING...zero, nada, zilch. I cried. I'd have been happier not knowing.

I'd say this. I was checked at 40 weeks and was at 2 cm. Then between appointments I had everything you explained, so I was checked again, and low and behold I was at 2. Leaving the office I was so disappointed, and questioned if I'd even be able to go natural. I thought wow I've had a lot of cramps, and pains and haven't progressed at all. The next day my water broke, I was still at stinking 2 and my labor never started until the help of pitocin, but in the end I was able to do it!

Long story short cervical check, and lack of progression really messed with my mind and emotions!

A37licia · February 2013

Good choice. I really prefer none and don't ask for any. Sometimes I'm curious, but I know above all it says nothing about how or when things will proceed. Yeah, it'll tell you the progress you already have made, but I'm not really willing to get that information in exchange for the risks associated with vaginal exams (irritating cervix, introducing bacteria).

hollandmama · February 2013

KmfMjf1024:
tokenhoser:
I'd say how you're feeling means you'll probably have a baby sometime in the next 3 weeks. I don't think it's cause for concern.
Haha - well put. Thanks to everyone for the perspective. I think I'll continue to pass on the exam, it does seem like the right decision.

Great call! I also think it wouldn't help at all, even if you're 'progressing' baby will not be born until you are actually in labor, but if you cannot time them probably you're not. The best is to keep your mind as clear and empty as possible.

KmfMjf1024 · March 2013

Hi everyone, I had the baby on Thursday - turns out the cramping was a sign indeed Contractions started Wednesday evening and he was born 10 pm Thursday night.

GraceInCA · March 2013

KmfMjf1024:
Hi everyone, I had the baby on Thursday - turns out the cramping was a sign indeed Contractions started Wednesday evening and he was born 10 pm Thursday night.

Congrats! Sounds like timing was great.

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