s/o will you decline cervical checks?

noycela · July 2014

I noticed several people posted that they were never checked in prior pregnancies in the question about dilation = quicker labor. Just curious, if your OB does routine checks, will you decline?

I'm on the fence. My doc starts them at 36 weeks, and my 36 week appt is a week from today for me. With DS, I declined until 38 weeks. I don't find them painful at all or even that uncomfortable, but I also know they're basically meaningless. I wasn't dilated at all with DS until my 41 week appointment (he was born 41w4d).

When does your OB/midwife do internals? Will you decline? If so, until what point?

Raclla · July 2014

My doc will start next visit.
I don't mind the checks and it's a fun guessing game of how long will I walk around at x cms.

The only time I would want them limited is after water breaks. From what I understand that's when there's increased chance of germ spreading/infection/etc.

BlytheMac · July 2014

I had my first one today... I don't know what it means really. She offered, so I said, "sure." It didn't hurt but insinuated that it might. I'm 1 cm dilated...for what that's worth.

Jennicillin · July 2014

It's not routine with my OB, I have to ask or have a specific concern. She did one at my last visit, because I mentioned some pretty intense contractions I had during the move and she wanted to be sure they weren't "productive"

I'll have her check me at 38 or 39 weeks.... if I'm a dilated to a one by then and she can get in there I always get my membranes swept to bring on labor (this doesn't work for all women, but it's been successful twice for me) and that, of course, requires her being really all up in there.

In the hospital I don't want them checking unless I feel the urge to push, especially if my water is broken. Like a PP mentioned, you want to be careful after your water has broken because too many checks increase the risk of introducing infection.

rainbowwillow · July 2014

My OB does them at 37 weeks but I plan on declining since I'm having a normal pregnancy. I'm so sensitive and swollen down there, I know it's going to be very uncomfortable. In my case, I think it is low risk decision to decline them.

Rosebean · July 2014

I remember being prepared to turn them down during my last pregnancy, but they never seemed to bring it up with me. Then again, I had DS before 38 weeks, so maybe they weren't going to bother until then anyways. I probably won't be approached for them this time because they are already planning a c/s (breech) for 38 weeks this time anyways... So there's really no point.

MandMLeona · July 2014

My midwife never checks unless I request it. I have no intention of requesting one. It's not predictive and it can increase the chance of infection.

@weeklyplanner if you look into things you will find many standard OB practices actually aren't predictive. One example is the group b strep test. Just because you do or don't have it at the time of the test doesn't predict whether you will have it at the time of delivery. That's why models that depend more on evidence based medicine (and have better outcome rates) don't use them. My opinion is that it's the illusion of control that encourages these practices here in the US...I'm just not sure if the illusion is purely for the patients benefit or if the doctors believe it at this point, too.

BeachM · July 2014

The practice I went to with DS1 didn't do them until 37 weeks and even then only if you asked. I asked and was just sure I'd be somewhat dilated and effaced. Nope, I was locked up tight until my induction.

I have no idea what this practice does or if it makes a difference that I'm having a RCS. I'm not sure I really care one way or the other.

Valancyy · July 2014

I don't get them because they don't mean anything. I'd rather not know!

I get them during labor...but my labors have been so fast it's only been about 2 checks each time, the last one being fully dilated and ready to push. It's nice to know if you're making progress during labor.

[Deleted User] · July 2014

The user and all related content has been deleted.

ktmcg22 · July 2014

I don't mean to sound rude, but there has to be some reasoning behind being checked. I like to be informed, so I plan on getting checked. With my son, I had an appointment on Thursday where I was checked and she told me that she might see me that weekend and she did! I had him that Sunday at 37 weeks. So there has to be some medical reason to be checked. I guess it depends on how much you trust your doctor/midwife. I trust mine completely, so when she says to get checked, I do. If she said there was no reason to check, then I wouldn't.

I understand though that it can cause some anxiety for other people, in which I would say don't do it. Either way...happy labor to everyone!

tamarar5 · July 2014

I always do them in the hopes that I'll be one of those magical women who goes in for a routine appointment and discovers that I'm disappeared to six and going to have a baby today.

But it never happens. Unfortunately, it's like dessert though and I just can't register the temptation. So I'll probably do them again.

BeachM · July 2014

@tamarar5 That completely made me LOL! I clearly remember being in shock last time that nothing happened down there for me by 40 weeks. I was all "This can't be right. Why is everyone else on my BMB posting about how dilated they are and they are due weeks after me?".

If the OB wants to check this time, I'm sure I'll let her. Then of course I'll freak out if I am dilated because my goal is to experience zero contractions this time around.

kaitm22 · July 2014

I had one last week at 34 weeks because I was having Braxton Hicks all day and had a Dr. apt. anyway. Nothing was going on, but she wanted to make sure, and it didn't hurt for me at all. We will see if she keeps doing them now though. I don't mind them as long as they continue not to hurt.

rockyrollgirl · July 2014

From what I can remember with my first, I did not started getting checked until the very end. It wasn't a big deal to me at the time.

I have not been checked at all thus far and I only have two appontments left until my RCS so who knows if they will even bother.

shaylagirl · July 2014

flip_flops said:

If the OB wants to check this time, I'm sure I'll let her. Then of course I'll freak out if I am dilated because my goal is to experience zero contractions this time around.

Hey, that's part of my birth plan too!!!

I'm on the fence if the OB offers. So far, he hasn't mentioned doing them, so I'm certainly not going to say "Hey doc, wanna get all up in my lady bits and check me out! It'll be the most action I've seen since Feb. Can ya, can ya HUH?!!"

But, I might ask if he he says he's wants to do one, inquire why. Then decide if I want to or not (okay, so it's more a decision to be made by how gross I'm feeling that day).

Kinda cool to know that they're not medically necessary.

Although, I could go freak DH out with the info. Because he is ALL sorts of oobed out by all the stuff I'm warning him about. MUAHAHAHAA!!!!

kiley820 · July 2014

I had one done last week but only because I was in L&D and had a positive FFN. I was at 50% but not dilated. And for me anyway, that shit hurt. I suppose it could have been because it was done after the exam/test though. I have an appointment coming up on Thursday and am hoping they won't check!

BabyM82714 · July 2014

I had one at 32 weeks because I had experienced BH. I am "softening" I'm sure I won't be checked again until at least 36 weeks. If they offer I'll comply. But as soon as I can get my membranes swept I'm gonna!

poofwok · July 2014

My OB said she would only start checking at 38 weeks. I'm pretty sure I will be too curious to know as a FTM.... Not sure how weird that is.

Nuclearcupcake · July 2014

I'm doing it on Wednesday. It's my third baby and I have never declined them. I like to know.

Jentech84 · July 2014

I asked my mw about this last week. She said she doesn't do them as they're useless (as POs have also said) unless symptoms indicate being checked. So I guess I'll have none until ~40wks or so

caybeh · July 2014

With DS they didn't start until 38 weeks. I'm at the same place, so I assume that is when they'll do it again. I have no problem with them doing it. I like to know even though just because. When I was in labor, they only checked me a few times.

missmiss307 · July 2014

I was planning to decline but now may have to have them to see if I'm favorable for induction due to gestational diabetes. We'll see, when the time comes.

happylady07 · July 2014

I'm planning on declining at this point. Personally, unless I'm facing a medically necessary induction and want to know how favorable my odds of it being successful are (my bishops score) there is no point to being checked. Although I will admit, it is VERY tempting to find out if there are any changes going on, regardless of it being insignificant in the grand scheme of things generally

I would also caution everyone to be very clear with your OB whether you give them permission to strip your membranes or not while they are checking you. A friend of mine thought she was just being checked, the OB stripped her membranes (at 38 weeks), WITHOUT her consent or even telling her. Her water broke a couple hours later (PROM is a risk of getting your membranes stripped), contractions never started, she went into the hospital and of course they started Pitocin, she ended up with a csection after a lengthy labor, infection due to her membranes being ruptured and being checked so many times in labor, the whole nine yards. You could arguably blame he entire thing on her a-hole OB stripping her membranes without informing her of the risks/benefits and getting her consent.

jamjoyful · July 2014

My OB starts them at 36 weeks and I will be getting checked. Even if it doesn't mean anything, it keeps me sane to know I could be progressing.

shevaCC · July 2014

I like @tamarar5‌'s description of being like dessert -- hard to turn down if offered. I'm curious so, meaningless or not, I like knowing.

ungraceful13 · July 2014

My OB will start asking at 35 weeks I will likely deny them as I didn't dilate until I went into labor with DD (so not very helpful) and I find them uncomfortable.

Allison7 · July 2014

The baby is consistently kicking my sides, so the OB felt around outside today and the baby seems to be stuck moving between oblique and transverse now...so I will have an internal check at 36 weeks so they feel if the head moved into the pelvis or not. So for at least the 36 week appointment I am going for it.

mislogis · July 2014

My ob starts them this week (36+) I honestly can't remember if I had it checked with #2? #1 they didn't until I started regular contractions. Again, secretly hoping I go this coming weekend. I'm ready for leave and to snuggle this little one!

Stefrusso · July 2014

I guess I'm the minority, I need to know . I've had 2 because I requested and I plan to have another one tomorrow. Last week I was dilated to 1 and 60% effaced. Ive been having contractions like crazy, so I've just got to know if things are changing down there

rachelwm · July 2014

I had my first cervical check today, and I'm 34 weeks. I've been having trans-vaginal ultrasounds every 2 weeks for the past 2 months because my cervix has been getting shorter to the point that I've been on progesterone suppositories since 26 weeks to keep me from going into pre-term labor. I've also had a previous LEEP procedure which was an added concern. I have a family reunion coming up this Wednesday-Saturday which is 1 hour away from the nearest hospital and 3 hours away from the hospital I want to deliver at and my doctor, so my DR checked me to see whats going on and if I could go on my reunion....turns out I'm 2cm dialated and 70% effaced so no family reunion for me. He said she could come anytime or it could still be a little while, but better safe than sorry. So we'll see what happens!

happylady07 · July 2014

zoegirlTX said:

happylady07 said:

I A friend of mine thought she was just being checked, the OB stripped her membranes (at 38 weeks), WITHOUT her consent or even telling her. Her water broke a couple hours later (PROM is a risk of getting your membranes stripped), contractions never started, she went into the hospital and of course they started Pitocin, she ended up with a csection after a lengthy labor, infection due to her membranes being ruptured and being checked so many times in labor, the whole nine yards. You could arguably blame he entire thing on her a-hole OB stripping her membranes without informing her of the risks/benefits and getting her consent.

that sounds awful.....I thought in general, (i.e. elective) stripping of the membranes shouldn't be done? Only if you are trying ot induce labor or are past your due date?? Maybe that's just my doula or midwives opinion?

----Stuck in quote box------
Not all doctors practice evidence based (or even ethical!) medicine, sadly

Adam-n-Emily · July 2014

I am on the fence... I feel since I am
going for a VBAC it could be very discouraging if there were no changes. Even though a change does not indicate labor, but just kinda messes with your mind. I will probably decline but I hope they don't even ask. I don't want the temptation.

simplein06 · July 2014

Yes, I will have them when requested. For my son I was 100% effaced and 3cm dialated at 35+ weeks. I am convinced if I hadn't taken off work sooner than expected I would have had a preemie

Jolaine83 · July 2014

I've been induced for medical reasons both times and I am half expecting to be again this time. Knowing where I was at dilation and effacement wise helped them determine if I was a good candidate for induction and what to start. If they hadn't checked me upon admission to the hospital with #2, they would have had no idea I had gone from 2-4 cm overnight with no contractions and that they could just break my waters instead of starting pitocin right away.

pmpkn219 · July 2014

I'm not sure when my OB starts them. I'm trying to recall if I got an internal at 36 weeks last time, or just the GBS swab... can't remember either! My plan then, as now, will be to start whenever the OB usually does, I have no preference to do earlier or later.

Last time I recall a couple checks that cervix was closed up, I mean thick, high, Fort Knox-style! When I went past 40, I think the best I got was "fingertip" dilated. Then the day before he was born (3 days after the FT check) suddenly I was at 3. I admit I got damn excited to finally see some change! and he was born about 36 hrs later.

lestex · July 2014

My husband will be out of town for 2 weeks so my ob is going to start exams this week (36weeks) until he gets back (10 days before my due date). I'm so worried I'll go into labor while he's gone. I didn't know these exams were "pointless." She made it sound like if I was 4 cm dilated, she'd tell him to cancel his trip. Sounds like I have more research to do...

sarahg8r · July 2014

andrea ri 80 said:

I got them with DS because I didn't know any better, and the mw offered they were such a mind fuck!
I didn't get any with DD and I don't want any with DD2, unless there is a reason for them (I do think there are some indications for them - ie it can determine how favorable your cervix is for induction, so if an induction is required, I'd like to know what the best option is based on what my cervix is doing).

This is why I will continue getting them weekly. Now that I am on bed rest with gestational hypertension, induction is very likely. OB was pleased that I am already 2cm and 50%, so I'll keep checking to see if there's any progression. But I know it isn't necessary. I will say the first check in the hospital was painful and caused lots if bleeding. The two I've had since then were a lot better and the last one didn't cause any bleeding,

Want a personalized experience?

s/o will you decline cervical checks?

Re: s/o will you decline cervical checks?

Choose Another Board

Search Boards