Did you refuse a vaginal exam?

MermaidMom123 · September 2014

Some OBs still perform exams to check for dilation of the cervix during the last weeks of pregnancy. I am 38 weeks and my OB wants to start now. My doula has given me a lot of information on why this exam is not only unnecessary but also could introduce an infection, as well as possibly cause cramping issues. I have been researching this online and I can see that she is correct.

I cannot find though online if it is mandatory to have one in my state if my OB wants to. He is an older gentleman, and is a bit set in his ways I'm sure at this point. I am nervous in how to tell him "no" to this.

Did you tell your OB no to having this exam? Or did you have this exam and everything went well?

Thank you ladies!

WashingtonQueen · September 2014

There is no law saying you have to let someone stick their hand up your vag because you're pregnant. If you don't want the exam just say no. It's really not hard or complicated.

I've had several exams between my 2 pregnancies and everything went/is just fine.

peanutbuttervibes · September 2014

Yes I decline at every appointment. But if my doctor insisted then I would take that in to consideration.

mb314 · September 2014

I plan on declining this time around. Last time, I did consent to one because I was being scheduled for an induction two days later. The midwife wanted to get a sense as to where I was and if they would need to use Cervadil in addition to Pitocin for the induction. I was only 1 cm and like 60% effaced, but it meant nothing, because less than 24 hours later, I had DS in my arms (with no induction - he thankfully came before the scheduled induction). So the cervical check in my case didn't give me any useful information, and this time around, I'm just going to skip them (my midwife was understanding and fully supports not having them).

carryon23 · September 2014

I did them with DD, declined with DS until the day before my induction.....this time I will do the same - wait until it is necessary.

mrsH1112 · September 2014

sparklegrump said:

I get it them because I like knowing, even though it doesn't really mean much. You certain shouldn't be afraid to say no if it's not what you want, though.

This is me too....

Also for me, my dr is planning on inducing between 38-40 weeks due to my gestational diabetes. She said she would really perfer to wait till closer to 40 if I havent progressed so my labor isnt more difficult and at risk for an emergency C. So while things can change in a day, she likes to know where we are at at any one time.

PrimRoseMama · September 2014

I declined until 41 weeks.

chardonnay24 · September 2014

My midwife only does them if you want them. I didn't want one, so I declined until 39 weeks. I had been having some cramping and was curious to see if I had made progress. I would feel totally comfortable completely refusing one, however.

LightBright515 · September 2014

Voice your concerns.

I'll be getting mine. But I'm nosey like that...

themiss · September 2014

My OB said she wouldn't check until 40 weeks, and only if I was okay with it.

You don't need to worry about your doctors feelings, just tell him you don't want him to do a check.

linnae939 · September 2014

SaraML13 said:

At my last appointment I was 35w5d and had my GSB test. My doctor offered to check my cervix if I wanted him to since I would already be undressed, but let me know that it was optional. They will definitely check if I get to my late 39w appointment or if it sounds like I'm having more than BH contractions. But up until then it is up to me.

I would ask your doctor why he recommends cervix check and what you would do about the information.

My MW offered the same last week at my GBS test, I said no thanks (DH was bummed he wanted to see if anything was going on...based on my complete lack of any symptoms other than being huge, I didn't think labor was iminent so I figure I'll wait til my 39 or 40 week apt maybe if at all)

soulcupcake · September 2014

I was indifferent during my first pregnancy. I started getting them at 35 weeks due to experiencing a bout of contractions and a lot of pelvic floor pressure. I was mostly curious with my second, especially since I precip.

I didn't receive a VE until I was induced with my third. And my midwife with my fourth only did them by request. They aren't truly necessary, but it was helpful to me because I have extremely precipitous births and it helped give me an idea how fast things would go once labor kicked in.

I'll do the same this time, but my midwife does them by request only, and starting around 38ish weeks.

bohemianlc · September 2014

My midwife started offering at 36 weeks but presented it as being completely optional. She told me that the purpose in most cases is simply to satisfy curiosity, adding that there isn't often a medical reason that it needs to be done. I've elected to have her check at my last few appointments just because I'm a curious person and don't find it to be uncomfortable or painful. I didn't experience any cramping at all, but everyone is different.

I would simply tell your OB that you're uncomfortable with him checking and be confident in your decision. It's your pregnancy and your body, so it doesn't really matter if he's set in his ways. I'm sure he has had plenty of patients refuse such checks in the past.

megs2011 · September 2014

sparklegrump said:

I get it them because I like knowing, even though it doesn't really mean much. You certain shouldn't be afraid to say no if it's not what you want, though.

^^ this. I just want to know. I'm trying for a VBAC so progress will give me hope even though it really means nothing.

You can refuse if you want.

bitsybubbles7 · September 2014

Totally your choice. I had my first check yesterday at 36 weeks for two reasons. One, I was getting the gbs swab so I figured while he was down there. And two, I had been having contractions the last few days and I wanted to know if they were actually doing anything (not really).

KingsDaughter76 · September 2014

Well I usually have to start getting them around 32 weeks due to my history of preterm labor and delivery... my midwives always are extra gentle and try not to stir anything up. I am glad they check me cause I have been dilating too early again with this pregnancy and I am now sitting at a 4 cm and on full bedrest and preterm labor meds in hopes of keeping this baby in till at least 36 weeks. So for me its important information and helps us all plan for the best outcome.

lesliegolem · September 2014

Yea its completely up to you. With my first they were very concerned about pre term labor so I was checked several times in the last trimester. It really wasn't a big deal, didn't even hurt. Honestly until this thread I didn't know so many people refused them but it makes sense after reading all the posts, its just your personal preference and each pregnancy is different.

I know it can be intimidating to disagree with a Dr but you're best starting to do it now if needed because in labor and afterwards you'll have to advocate for you and your baby constantly.

Want a personalized experience?

Did you refuse a vaginal exam?

Re: Did you refuse a vaginal exam?

LFAF Summer 2016 Awards:

Choose Another Board

Search Boards