opting out of internal exam?

treehugginbride · July 2013

I know some ladies like to know how everything is coming along down there, but I feel pretty uncomfortable with the risk of "shaking loose" my mucus plug or any infection risks.

My next appt is tuesday and I'll be 37 weeks (missed one a few weeks back so my one week appts start then) so of course I'll talk it over with my OB. I'm just thinking that if it HAS to be done I'd much rather wait until 39 or 40 weeks just to be sure..

Am I the only one that feels this way?

saralondos · July 2013

During my 35 week appt last week they said they do not check until week 40 at the practice. The only reason they may is if I had contractions. But she repeated said 40 weeks.

After seeing various posts and thoughts on here about earlier checks, this made me very happy to hear what my practice believes!

smilejenn · July 2013

I'm going to have the same discussion this week at my 36wk appt. I'm not all that concerned with infections since I think the risk is minimal, but personally I find checks to be discouraging. And they don't have to be since it really has no bearing on if you will go into labor soon or not. I could understand being checked if I was looking at an induction for medical reasons in the very near future, but if not I'd rather decline.

WashingtonQueen · July 2013

No one has to get an internal exam. Just tell they you don't want it, simple. FWIW, I am refusing all checks before labor and checks to a minimum during labor.

CelticWife · July 2013

I wouldn't stress over it at this point. Ask your OB if they even do them. My current doc does not unless she is considering inducing you, because she doesn't feel that they really tell her anything.

I did them from 36 weeks until 40 weeks with my first. Nothing ever changed.

I did not have them until I was in labor with my second, and that is what I am planning this time as well.

(I can tell you that I am at least 1 cm dilated, because I have given birth before. Other then that, I don't want to know. lol)

ELauren88 · July 2013

I had this talk with my OB yesterday. We have a really good, professional relationship, so we were able to come to a good compromise for both of us. He is more comfortable doing an internal every week, whereas I'm pretty hesitant on the whole situation.

So we agreed that not only would we play it by ear per appointment (I can opt out last minute if I want), but we will only plan on doing them every other appointment. Meaning since I only have 4 appointments left, I'll only get 2 internals tops (if I deliver on my EDD). I'm very comfortable with this agreement, and I know my doc is just looking out for me and LO.

smilejenn · July 2013

CelticWife:
(I can tell you that I am at least 1 cm dilated, because I have given birth before. Other then that, I don't want to know. lol)

Out of curiosity, how do you know? I've given birth twice before as well, and I without being checked I would have no idea if I was dilated or not. LOL

TurtleMomma · July 2013

I'm really on the fence about this. I guess I will have to see what my doc's policy is.

lydsyjane · July 2013

I personally will be opting out of checks. I don't feel its necessary until I'm in active labor, and even then I don't want to be checked often. Just a personal feeling.

mommabmb · July 2013

I have decided to opt out. I suppose it is one of those things that I just think for my sanity it is better not to know. However, I can understand wanting to know, too, just to know if things are progressing. To me, though, it isn't important information so I will be passing.

CelticWife · July 2013

smilejenn:
CelticWife:
(I can tell you that I am at least 1 cm dilated, because I have given birth before. Other then that, I don't want to know. lol)
Out of curiosity, how do you know? I've given birth twice before as well, and I without being checked I would have no idea if I was dilated or not. LOL

I had a lot of bleeding with my second (like... 30 weeks of bleeding), and in my first tri they did several internals to make sure I wasn't miscarrying. I also had an internal at the beginning of this pregnancy, and they stated the same thing. 1cm dilated.

My MFM also told me that women who have given birth are typically at least a fingertip dilated for life.

(More random info: It is why the Mirena was once marketed only for women who have given birth. It is much easier to insert.)

Melanieian · July 2013

smilejenn:
CelticWife:
(I can tell you that I am at least 1 cm dilated, because I have given birth before. Other then that, I don't want to know. lol)
Out of curiosity, how do you know? I've given birth twice before as well, and I without being checked I would have no idea if I was dilated or not. LOL

I am curious about this too

BelhurstBride · July 2013

There was a similar post a day or two ago, if you're looking for more opinions.

But no, you're not the only one who feels that way. Many physicians agree with you; you may find that yours doesn't even do them anyway. I believe many younger physicians find it to be an antiquated practice.

I won't be getting them. They're uncomfortable and make you become uncomfortable. They have an, albeit minor, risk of introducing and causing more serious problems. They're utterly pointless and IMO the benefits do not outweigh the risks.

Melanieian · July 2013

CelticWife:
smilejenn:
CelticWife:
(I can tell you that I am at least 1 cm dilated, because I have given birth before. Other then that, I don't want to know. lol)
Out of curiosity, how do you know? I've given birth twice before as well, and I without being checked I would have no idea if I was dilated or not. LOL
I had a lot of bleeding with my second (like... 30 weeks of bleeding), and in my first tri they did several internals to make sure I wasn't miscarrying. I also had an internal at the beginning of this pregnancy, and they stated the same thing. 1cm dilated.
My MFM also told me that women who have given birth are typically at least a fingertip dilated for life.
(More random info: It is why the Mirena was once marketed only for women who have given birth. It is much easier to insert.)

Hmm that is strange. This is my third and I was not dilated at all when I went to L&D after my wreck when I was 26 weeks.

smilejenn · July 2013

CelticWife:
smilejenn:
CelticWife:
(I can tell you that I am at least 1 cm dilated, because I have given birth before. Other then that, I don't want to know. lol)
Out of curiosity, how do you know? I've given birth twice before as well, and I without being checked I would have no idea if I was dilated or not. LOL
I had a lot of bleeding with my second (like... 30 weeks of bleeding), and in my first tri they did several internals to make sure I wasn't miscarrying. I also had an internal at the beginning of this pregnancy, and they stated the same thing. 1cm dilated.
My MFM also told me that women who have given birth are typically at least a fingertip dilated for life.
(More random info: It is why the Mirena was once marketed only for women who have given birth. It is much easier to insert.)

Interesting. I wasn't dilated at all during my second pregnancy until I was induced, and I'm not dilated at all with this one at 36 weeks. Guess my body locks the babies up tight. lol

CelticWife · July 2013

Melanieian:
CelticWife:
smilejenn:
CelticWife:
(I can tell you that I am at least 1 cm dilated, because I have given birth before. Other then that, I don't want to know. lol)
Out of curiosity, how do you know? I've given birth twice before as well, and I without being checked I would have no idea if I was dilated or not. LOL
I had a lot of bleeding with my second (like... 30 weeks of bleeding), and in my first tri they did several internals to make sure I wasn't miscarrying. I also had an internal at the beginning of this pregnancy, and they stated the same thing. 1cm dilated.
My MFM also told me that women who have given birth are typically at least a fingertip dilated for life.
(More random info: It is why the Mirena was once marketed only for women who have given birth. It is much easier to insert.)
Hmm that is strange. This is my third and I was not dilated at all when I went to L&D after my wreck when I was 26 weeks.

Really? Interesting. I will have to ask him again next week. Maybe it is just me?

I guess the difference could come from the shape. I know after you have a vaginal delivery, the opening is a slit vs. a hole.

tokenhoser · July 2013

My doctor has zero issue with me opting out of internals before labour.

Be aware that you'll probably have your GBS swab this appointment, so you do need to tell them to keep it on the outside if you're not interested in an internal. I've heard more than one story of doctors doing things without express consent while they're in the area.

Melanieian · July 2013

CelticWife:
Melanieian:
CelticWife:
smilejenn:
CelticWife:
(I can tell you that I am at least 1 cm dilated, because I have given birth before. Other then that, I don't want to know. lol)
Out of curiosity, how do you know? I've given birth twice before as well, and I without being checked I would have no idea if I was dilated or not. LOL
I had a lot of bleeding with my second (like... 30 weeks of bleeding), and in my first tri they did several internals to make sure I wasn't miscarrying. I also had an internal at the beginning of this pregnancy, and they stated the same thing. 1cm dilated.
My MFM also told me that women who have given birth are typically at least a fingertip dilated for life.
(More random info: It is why the Mirena was once marketed only for women who have given birth. It is much easier to insert.)
Hmm that is strange. This is my third and I was not dilated at all when I went to L&D after my wreck when I was 26 weeks.
Really? Interesting. I will have to ask him again next week. Maybe it is just me?
I guess the difference could come from the shape. I know after you have a vaginal delivery, the opening is a slit vs. a hole.

I am not sure. I had vaginal with both of mine. I was induced with my DD at 39 weeks due to high blood pressure and I was not dilated before that and I am not dilated now. I guess everyone is different.

BelhurstBride · July 2013

CelticWife:

Really? Interesting. I will have to ask him again next week. Maybe it is just me?
I guess the difference could come from the shape. I know after you have a vaginal delivery, the opening is a slit vs. a hole.

I've definitely heard that before. There's that photo project that's out there were a student took pictures of her cervix throughout her cycle. People wanted to help out and sent pictures of their cervixes, too, at different points in life, cycles, pregnancy, ect. It was brought up on there that post vaginal delivery the shape of your cervix changes.

It could also just be the person taking the measurement. It's definitely not an exact science.

TurtleMomma · July 2013

BelhurstBride:
CelticWife:

Really? Interesting. I will have to ask him again next week. Maybe it is just me?
I guess the difference could come from the shape. I know after you have a vaginal delivery, the opening is a slit vs. a hole. 
I've definitely heard that before. There's that photo project that's out there were a student took pictures of her cervix throughout her cycle. People wanted to help out and sent pictures of their cervixes, too, at different points in life, cycles, pregnancy, ect. It was brought up on there that post vaginal delivery the shape of your cervix changes. 
It could also just be the person taking the measurement. It's definitely not an exact science.  

I, for one, am a little disturbed at the concept of people sending [me] pictures of their cervixes. I don't mind seeing it in text books, but still...

ohyeahdollface · July 2013

I opted out of all checks with my first. I think I had my first check at 41 weeks, and delivered at 41w3d.

Because I have ended up at L&D already at 35 weeks and was already 5 cm dilated and 100% effaced, I get checked at each appt now.

BellaOso · July 2013

WashingtonQueen:
No one has to get an internal exam. Just tell they you don't want it, simple. FWIW, I am refusing all checks before labor and checks to a minimum during labor.

This exactly.

I actually mentioned it to my OB today and he said, "I really don't understand why some of my colleagues do checks before labor. My rule is, if the procedure doesn't alter the treatment plan, why would I do it." Aannnddd as I have said before, that is why I love him.

zora51 · July 2013

ELauren88:
I had this talk with my OB yesterday. We have a really good, professional relationship, so we were able to come to a good compromise for both of us. He is more comfortable doing an internal every week, whereas I'm pretty hesitant on the whole situation.
So we agreed that not only would we play it by ear per appointment (I can opt out last minute if I want), but we will only plan on doing them every other appointment. Meaning since I only have 4 appointments left, I'll only get 2 internals tops (if I deliver on my EDD). I'm very comfortable with this agreement, and I know my doc is just looking out for me and LO.

It's definitely up to you of course. BUT, it hit me weird you saying HE is more comfortable doing an internal every week.... have you had contractions bad, or bleeding or something else making you higher risk that they'd want to check? If not, then in my opinion, his comfort level doesn't matter! As a lot of PP said, there's rarely any ADVANTAGE to getting them but there ARE disadvantages. And whether you're dilated or effaced or not, doesn't matter with your labor. How is your doc looking out for your LO by doing an internal? Just curious.....

elynds · July 2013

My doctor last time didn't check until 38 weeks. They said if I had no signs of labor there wasn't really any reason since it's somewhat meaningless.

Luckymomma4 · July 2013

I would just prefer to not have one at all. She isn't coming out that way anyway. Even if I was dilating it still wouldn't be a definite time that I would go into labor.

treehugginbride · July 2013

Glad to see I'm not the only one with the mindset. Its uncomfortable enough to have anyone down there at all..I'm not sure what my OBs policy is.. I guess we'll see next week..

BlueJewelM · July 2013

My OB does them at 37 weeks. I don't mind. Honestly, if something does get "shaken loose" I may welcome it at that point.

I had them done from 37 weeks to 41 weeks with DS. I never dilated at all. My water ended up breaking the evening of my 41 week appt and I was admitted to hospital at 4cm.

I honestly believe the checks are pointless. But my OB does them and I don't care enough to fight it. Honestly I'm so miserable this time around if I become dilated I will get excited even though I know it means nothing. Ha.

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