When do internal checks start?

+RBL+ · June 2014

I can't remember from my first pregnancy.

32w? 34w?

MC03 · June 2014

My MW doesn't do internal checks. She says they don't really tell you anything, because you could walk around at a 4 for weeks, or go from 0-10 in a few hours.

She did check me at my 40w appointment because I asked, I was desperate for any sign labor could be soon. But she wouldn't have checked if I hadn't requested.

dixielee05 · June 2014

Mine started at 36 weeks with DS.

BeachM · June 2014

The last practice I went to started at 36 weeks if you wanted them to. Not sure about this one.

caballablanca · June 2014

I think mine was 36 weeks too. He did that one, then asked subsequent weeks if I wanted to know. It was very unpleasant so I declined until 39 weeks. I was desperate to know if something was happening I suffered through it.

Jennicillin · June 2014

37 or 38 weeks for me with my prior two...

Moving and will be at a new practice now, so I'm wondering what this doctors routine will be

caybeh · June 2014

With DS, my MW wouldn't do them until 38 weeks. I'm still with the same practice, so I assume it will be the same with this one.

Nuclearcupcake · June 2014

Mine only do it if asked.

Unknown · June 2014

This content has been removed.

poofwok · June 2014

Mine told me either at 36 or 37 weeks.

Jenrileysmom · June 2014

I asked at my 39 week appt with DD and the doctor did it and said "this might get things going" My daughter was born the next day. I don't know if it was related or not.

noycela · June 2014

My doc offers beginning at 36 weeks. With DS, I declined until 38 weeks. Not sure what I'll do this time. I don't really mind them or think they're painful, but they also don't really tell you anything.

mhbraymer · June 2014

39 weeks and he only did cause we did a membrane sweep.

ShadowsRainFalls · June 2014

My OB doesn't do it unless I ask.

tamarar5 · June 2014

Mine started at 36, didn't do one at 37, but did again at 38 because I'd been having contractions. Now at the new practice, I'm not sure when/if they will do any.

ungraceful13 · June 2014

Around 36 weeks. I am going to decline them this time though.

+RBL+ · June 2014

I realize you can walk around dilated for weeks even months sometimes.

I find it interesting how many doctors don't do them unless asked. Not that it matters much.

mislogis · June 2014

I prefer to not be checked. False hope of things getting started. Both girls, it was when I was being checked to get admitted

Rannndi · June 2014

I've been getting them since 27 weeks...*sigh*

Are you telling me this isn't a normal pregnancy?!

Raclla · June 2014

@Rannndi‌ you're not normal. It's ok. We love you anyway.

MandMLeona · June 2014

Not only do they not tell you anything useful, but they increase the risk of infection. In my three full term pregnancies I've had a total of zero internal exams.

kcm3 · June 2014

My midwives agree with the other posters - there's no real point to doing them and it increases risks. My OB for my first baby started at 36 weeks.

Want a personalized experience?

When do internal checks start?

Re: When do internal checks start?

Choose Another Board

Search Boards