36 Week Appointment and no cervical exam?!

JAZsax · September 2015

I had my 36 week appointment on Friday, and my new OB did not do a cervical exam! My husband and I just moved to my home town to be closer to family, and this was my first appointment with my new doctor. I was quite disappointed actually, because I have been measuring around a week ahead of schedule. I asked him about it at my appointment, and he said that he doesn't start them until about 38 weeks. I'm a teacher and I would very much like to know how dialated I am(especially since I am measuring ahead of schedule) to keep my long term sub and principal up-to-date. I don't know if I should try switching OBs this late or not. Or should I voice my concerns to my new OB, and ask for the exam next week. Anyone else in a similar situation? Is this normal? My original OB was going to start the cervical exams at 36 weeks. I know you can walk around dialated for a couple of weeks, but it would be really nice to know!

I apologize for the long post!

cmjn94 · September 2015

I don't think it's unusual not to have cervical exams. Unless you're having symptoms of labor, it's not really necessary and how dilated you are doesn't really tell you how soon you'll go into labor, so I wouldn't worry too much about it.

shineysasha · September 2015

Where I am you wouldn't have a cervical exam at all until 40+3 which is when you meet to discuss induction. I personally don't think it's necessary considering dilation can be completely irrelevant to when labor would start

leighann1 · September 2015

It's not a cause for concern. Cervical checks/dilation aren't a good indicator of when you'll go into labor anyway, so many practitioners no longer do this as a standard weekly check.

alz88 · September 2015

In Nz we don't get cervical exams until we are in labor. Your cervix could be to the back and closed but you could go into labor the next day or you could be 3-4cm dialated and stretchy for weeks before labor starts,so unless there was a reason for concern I wouldn't be too worried about getting checked. I would love to know what's going on "down there" but I don't want to be told I am dialated + effaced and think labor is going to start soon... and still be waiting 2 weeks later!

VioletandRose · September 2015

leighann1 said:
It's not a cause for concern. Cervical checks/dilation aren't a good indicator of when you'll go into labor anyway, so many practitioners no longer do this as a standard weekly check.

This. Exactly what my doctor told me.

clariknittist · September 2015

Not to mention...they are not very comfortable. Some doctors feel they are more invasive than necessary - I'm down with that as they are not my favorite.

LiveNLove44 · September 2015

Echoing PPs, I wouldn't switch doctors for this. I am a teacher, too, and I certainly understand your concern about preparing for the LTS and making sure your students and the school will be ready for a smooth transition; unfortunately, knowing your dilation/effacement each week won't ensure that will happen. You can, as others have mentioned, be dilated for weeks without labor starting, or you can be closed at one appointment and then go into labor the next day. While I know any sign of labor is helpful as we near the end, cervical checks won't ensure that we know when it'll happen. I'd stick with the new doc

zombiexcupcakes · September 2015

I wouldn't worry either. I just had my 36 week check a few days ago and they did the check and it hurt like hell! I'm 50% effaced and not dilated so I'm not expecting him to appear anytime soon. He'll come when he wants to. My only concern though... Did they do the strep B test? I was told this happened at 36 and I just had mine.

christina4436 · September 2015

I asked my doctor when and she said last couple weeks. So they may wait til 38+ for you.

komorebi · September 2015

On the flip side, you can always ask to be checked. But for perspective with my first i was completely closed, not effaced at all and had her two days past my edd. And one of my friends is a week and a couple days past her edd currently, asked to be check near her edd and has had to walk around knowing she's been at a stretchy 4 .

amberrmariee20 · September 2015

I never had any cervical exams done until after my water broke and I was in labor !

FatPony · September 2015

Did they swab you for the bacteria test (can't remember the name of it now)? I had mine done at 35 weeks, it was easy peasy. Then she checked my cervix, which I was NOT expecting. Yeah, it does not feel great.

If cervical softness/dilation isn't an indicator of when labour may start, I would rather forgo checking the cervix. Be sure you get your bacteria test done though!

leah665 · September 2015

I think the cervical exam is optional at 38 weeks with my midwife. I will probably opt out, because it can be painful and really isn't needed.

twogirlsandagreen · September 2015

The exams don't tell you anything, so that is probably why your ob isn't concerned. My best friend was 4cm with bulging waters from 36 weeks to the day before her due date when she went in to labor. I was 1cm at my 40 week appointment and went in to labor three days later. They just really don't tell anyone anything and each time anyone does a cervical check you risk the introduction of bacteria which could lead to an infection and make you or baby very sick.

photomomma0488 · September 2015

My doctor said that they don't do them because it is extremely uncomfortable for mom and it really doesn't tell them anything. You could not be dilated at all, yet go into labor the next day, or you could be dilated to 4 or 5 cm for a month.

margies2010 · September 2015

I wish I could forego the cervical checks!! I'm having a rcs in 15 days (eek!) and had one at an emergency Dr visit on friday. I asked if we could opt out of the GBS test because of the rcs; he said we still need to do it in case I present with broken waters. Ok, I can handle that. But why put me through the cervical checks if you are just going to cut the baby out, AND it doesn't indicate where you are until you are actively in labor? Sorry for going AW, just kinda venting a bit.

JennyBon · September 2015

I would call the office, voice my concerns and questions. Then talk with your spouse about the response you received. If you're not satisfied then switch OBs. It sounds like due to a late pregnancy move that this OB was new to you anyway so there really isn't any relationship or history lost.

On a personal note I've stuck it out in the past with an OB who lost her touch and credibility (to say it nicely). I've learned my lesson and moved on. Don't be afraid to ask for someone else.

Oh and I too am looking forward to that 36 weeks exam...not the Group B swab so much but finding out if any early dilation has occurred.

Best of Luck,

satori15 · September 2015

For perspective- with DS I got checked at 36 weeks and nothing had happened. Doc was sure he would be at least 40 weeks. My water broke and he was born at 37+2.

mizzthang007 · September 2015

My OB told me at my last appointment that they typically don't do cervical exams unless they have to. It could open up possibilities for infection to both mama and baby. That combined with the fact that it doesn't give them a lot of info, I guess majority go with the safe route these days.

I'm sorry your frustrated though, I'm sure you can always ask for it sooner if it will help you personally

gerbies · September 2015

I am 36 weeks, 1day and had my appointment today. I had the Group B Strep and my first pelvic exam. It hurts like a mother...I was not prepared for that. My doctor did tell me I'm dilated 3cm and 70% effaced. As shared here and elsewhere, it doesn't mean I will go into labor anytime sooner.

JAZsax · September 2015

Thank you all for you responses! I called in about the Group B Strep test to make sure I'll have it done this week.

RositaRae · September 2015

My dilation check hurt really bad. I was scooting up the table to try and get away from the OB. I think they plan on doing one at each weekly appointment at this point.

cmjn94 · September 2015

I had my GBS test today. It kinda hurt but was over with in less than a minute. But then I allowed my doctor to do a cervix check to see if I had any progress (36w4days) and it HURT. Holy cow. I cramped for hours afterward and I'm having anxiety just thinking about having to get another one.

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