36 week appointment

ChrissyD1203 · December 2015

On Monday my appointments start being weekly (I'm not high risk, just my OBs routine) and I have to start undressing from the waist down which I haven't had to do in pregnancy. I know they do the strep b culture but in terms of a cervical exam, what does that entail and does it take a long time? Are they actually reaching up inside me and feeling baby or is more like they take a quick look just to check for dilation? I'm sorry if these are ridiculous questions, just trying to be prepared.

ariasbabyblog · December 2015

The strep b culture is a quick 5 second exterior swab. As far as the rest, I have no idea as my OB doesn't do exams unless you are in labor and demand it.

babybluu · December 2015

For cervical exams I know a lot of doctors are checking for an dilation, thinning of the cervix, position of the cervix, engagement of the baby's head, and baby's station. There might be more but I'm drawing a blank

ainverso · December 2015

Starting at 36 weeks, my ob swabs for group b, then checks dilation and effacement internally , finally feels externally for babies placement .

Beverly0628 · December 2015

They check for dilation and effacement internally, meaning, they have to put their hand inside of you and reach for your cervix. I have heard some women say that this is super painful. I didn't think it was that big of a deal. It's a little uncomfortable, but nothing to be worried about, as it's over pretty quickly. As a PP said, the group b strep test is just a quick 5 second external swab.

peppercorn16 · December 2015

Cervix checks aren't fun, but like PPs said, they're quick. Doesn't take longer than a normal annual pelvic exam, just feels a little more invasive and you might notice some pressure or discomfort depending on the position of your cervix and just how sensitive you are down there in general.

willashbaby · December 2015

I DID NOT like the cervical check I had in L&D when I was there having early contractions due to dehydration from food poisoning a few weeks ago. I will request my OB NOT do them unless absolutely necessary.

mrhargr · December 2015

Cervix checks were just a little uncomfortable to me last time around. I liked having the info that my doctor got from checking my cervix. However during one of them a blood vessel on the outside of my cervix ruptured and bled quite a bit. They stopped it with some silver nitrate sticks which hurt like the devil. I did go into labor shortly after my last cervix check appointment. Not sure if the exam had anything to do with that or not.

Achae · December 2015

I also found the cervix checks uncomfortable and a bit painful. Not to mention I passed out every time. My ob said some women do this

this go around I'll be requesting to not have them done as I've read they can increase the risk of infection and basically tell you nothing (you can be dilated for weeks and not give birth, not be dilated at all and go into labor etc).

MrsB915 · December 2015

I also found the cervical checks to be rather uncomfortable but usually they are quick. I did have one ob in L&D take forever, I thought she was going to go in up to her elbow! Those were the two most uncomfortable checks I've had.

I didn't get this far in last pregnancy but just had this conversation with my ob today. She said they'd do the GBS swab at 36 weeks and usually start cervical exams then but we didn't have to do them at all if I didn't want to. She said motors like to have the info but it isn't necessary really until you're in labor and think you're ready to push.

If you don't want them talk to your ob and maybe you can wait to have them until 37 or 38 weeks, or not at all. You don't have to consent. I'm going to play it by ear each week and see how I'm feeling. If I think something may be happening I'll have her check but otherwise I probably won't.

scornwell717 · December 2015

Ahhh all of this cervix check talk is freaking me out!! I didn't know THAT'S how they did it! Good lord I haven't even had a penis in me let alone a freaking arm! Gosh I thought only horses got that treatment

lwebley · December 2015

Like others have said cervical exams can be uncomfortable, sometimes a bit more than uncomfortable, but I liked knowing how effaced and dilated I was. I was also happy to know my babies head could be felt up against my cervix and was in a good position for delivery.

Jessdub10 · December 2015

Wait, what? Do you really mean to say "hand"?? This is my second, but I really don't remember it going down like that the first time!

hannahduff3 · December 2015

The whole hand goes up you?

I haven't even really had sex this whole pregnancy.... I don't expect that to fit up there!!! Is it really not that scary because I'm terrified right now lol

stlmomof2 · December 2015

Uhhh... 35+3 here and my OB did the strep b test on me 3 days ago and a cervical check. It literally was just her 2 fingers going up my vagina to check for dilation and effacement. Not the whole hand.

Edit: ladies you can request your OB to NOT do cervical checks unless necessary.

kmo8986 · December 2015

I only had one cervix check last pregnancy at 37 weeks, I didn't make it to the next one. I don't remember it being uncomfortable (I mean everything is uncomfortable at 37 weeks pregnant). Also ladies freaking out about a hand, you are about to push a whole baby out, a few fingers is nothing.

Wicked4589 · December 2015

I had one done at the hospital when I went in for potential pre term labor. How are your annuals in terms of comfort? Not to get too graphic here but my doc always has to use the long speculum because of deep was of my cervix. So for me it is a little more uncomfortable because she has to go so deep. But some people have their annuals with no biggie because the cervix is closer. My doc recommends getting them done weekly after 36 weeks so I'm going to. But I trust my doc fully and if it ever becomes an issue will discuss it with her and go from there. Be open and honest.

ChrissyD1203 · December 2015

Wow thank you all for all the feedback. This was really informative. I'm going to try it for this next appointment on Monday and if it's terrible ask her not to do it again unless medically necessary.

rozie34685 · December 2015

Good thread, thanks for posting! I feel like I just learned a lot

mamajenna_cnm · December 2015

Your provider will insert one to two fingers into your vagina to feel for your cervix...not their whole hand...or arm for that matter. Usually, if they are unable to reach it they will stop the exam to prevent further discomfort. It really shouldn't be more than what you have experienced with a pelvic exam during your annuals. Most providers tend to be much more gentle than a speculum, given that fingers are softer than metal. It's really mind over matter, take a deep breath and relax...the more you can do that, the easier and quicker the exam will go!

scornwell717 · December 2015

kmo8986 said:
I only had one cervix check last pregnancy at 37 weeks, I didn't make it to the next one. I don't remember it being uncomfortable (I mean everything is uncomfortable at 37 weeks pregnant). Also ladies freaking out about a hand, you are about to push a whole baby out, a few fingers is nothing.

I can handle a few fingers, but some PPs were making it seem like they go wrist deep up in you!
I might be about to push a whole baby out, but at least I'll have an epidural for that.

hannahduff3 · December 2015

scornwell717 said:

kmo8986 said:
I only had one cervix check last pregnancy at 37 weeks, I didn't make it to the next one. I don't remember it being uncomfortable (I mean everything is uncomfortable at 37 weeks pregnant). Also ladies freaking out about a hand, you are about to push a whole baby out, a few fingers is nothing.
I can handle a few fingers, but some PPs were making it seem like they go wrist deep up in you!
I might be about to push a whole baby out, but at least I'll have an epidural for that.

Plus we'll be fully dilated for that!

willashbaby · December 2015

The doc I had in L&D legit used 4 fingers, she pushed hard and it fucking hurt. Maybe it was because she was a resident but I sure gave her feedback.

Beverly0628 · December 2015

Perhaps I should clarify what I meant by "hand." Before I got checked, I asked the MW if it would be uncomfortable so that I could mentally prepare. She said, "I am going to put my gloved hand inside and reach for your cervix. You will feel pressure that can be uncomfortable." It was definitely not 1 or 2 fingers and certainly more uncomfortable than a regular pelvic exam. I'm not going to get too detailed about the exam beyond that. For me personally, it was necessary for her to use more of her hand to reach. Every woman is different (as far as anatomy, where the cervix is in relation to the vaginal opening, etc.) and every provider's method for checking these things is probably different too. I didn't personally feel that it was extremely painful or terrifying (in relation to other pain that I have experienced). It was a little uncomfortable, but quick. Definitely not anything to get freaked out about, especially since in a few weeks we will all be delivering babies. Even with meds, I'm sure that will probably be more uncomfortable than a cervix check.
Edit: words.

mg137 · December 2015

Last pregnancy I was checked at least every other week from probably about 24 weeks because of an elevated risk of preterm labor. I never remember it even being uncomfortable. It wasn't pleasant but it didn't hurt. My doctor only used a finger or two.

ETA I agree with PP. It's not something to get worried about. Satisfying curiosities and wanting to know what to expect is fine but don't get wound up thinking that everyone posting about this means it's sone huge deal. If you're scared or nervous you'll experience it with more discomfort or pain than you would have otherwise. (Same goes for labor and birth)

apinkpelican · December 2015

I didn't find it that bad last time. I spotted a bit after my first check but otherwise it was just uncomfortable. I liked having the information that baby was down and my body was progressing naturally. I wouldn't get too nervous about it. But as others have stated, you can ask your Dr not to do it unless they feel it is absolutely necessary.

leap_frog · December 2015

I like cervical checks. I want to know if I'm dilated, effaced and what station baby is at.
I'm a numbers girl. Give me stats!!!

mom32b · December 2015

I had my first cervical check at my last ob appointment. It was definitely uncomfortable! It hurt but it was rather quick. Lots of pressure up there

I enjoyed that the Dr was able to provide me with info... Head down, cervix closed etc. so I thought it was worth the discomfort... Although
Not looking forward to having them every week!! That evening, while laying on the couch, I felt period like cramps that I assumed were due to the check.

kaym6 · December 2015

I had my first one ever

Edited because the above sentence is all I wrote before I accidentally posted hahaha it should have read

I had my first one ever two weeks ago, it wasn't comfortable but it didn't hurt at all. I would try to make sure you're relaxed during it if you're tense I imagine it would make it worse! Even if you are one of the ones it ends up being painful for it really doesn't last long

good luck!!

fishsticks-n-custard · December 2015

Having done cervical checks before, I've never had to use more than two fingers to reach; sometimes I had to press down a bit from above. And my fingers aren't THAT long.

scornwell717 · December 2015

MammaDoc said:
Having done cervical checks before, I've never had to use more than two fingers to reach; sometimes I had to press down a bit from above. And my fingers aren't THAT long.

That sounds doable to me!

No matter how uncomfortable or painful, I still want to get it done every week because I do like to know where I'm at with everything. I guess I'll find out for myself when I go to my appointment next week!

ShannyFann · December 2015

Like the other ladies said, if you relax it won't be as bad as it would if you're all tense. For me it really wasn't a big deal. A lot of the comfort part has to to with your anatomy and how long the doc's fingers are. Longer fingers = less reaching
I used a diaphram for a little while after having my son and was told after placing it you should try to see if you can feel your cervix to make sure the diaphram is where it needs to be and so all the spermicide goes where it needs to and I'm thinking if I can reach my own cervix with my small fingers then I'm not too worried about the doctor trying to reach it.
Just take a breath and relax if you decide to allow them to check.

Monilee1017 · December 2015

My old ob office never did them until I was past my due date for my first and never did them for my second. They did always have me undressed from the waist down. I guess just incase we talked about something that made them want to check me. I didn't think it was that bad when I did have it done and honestly you need to get used to it because you'll have a ton done once in the hospital. Especially if your like me and let every resident reach up there.

scornwell717 · December 2015

I finally experienced the cervix exam today...it was nothing!!! Literally just felt like what they do at your annual check up. Some of you silly gooses had me all anxious for no reason

ETA: I'm also 1 1/2 cm dilated...yay progress!

yvessaintlauren · December 2015

The swab for strep b is around vagina and anus. Kind of icky but it doesn't hurt. If they do a cervical check - beware, this can be super uncomfortable. They'll stick 2-3 fingers inside you and push all the way back to feel your cervix. One of the OBs I see has super short fingers so she's always pushing really hard and it hurts. The other two clearly don't have that issue, they can feel my cervix just fine. But yeah the cervical checks can be very uncomfortable depending on the Doctor.

EvaD84 · December 2015

Lets hope if ur dr has to shove their hands up ur vagina to check for effacement/dilation that they have small hands....

My dr is a male and my 36 week appt is this thursday.... Been wondering when he'd finally start checking my cervix...

yvessaintlauren · December 2015

Actually be happy it's a male. My female doctor has such a hard time even reaching my cervix she has such short fingers. All the men who have ever checked me never had a problem! 1.5cm and 60% effaced at 36 weeks

maddisonwallace · December 2015

I had a cervix check done and I literally felt nothing. I went into it freaking out because I thought someone was about to be elbow deep my in vag thanks to this post lol. He literally just put two fingers up there and that was it. I felt nothing.

ChrissyD1203 · December 2015

So after all that they did my Strep B at my 36 week, but no cervical check. Dr said she waits for 38 weeks for that and as many PPs have said since it doesn't indicate anything about timing of labor, the only reason she does it is because there is a real decent chance people go into labor between 38 and 39 weeks and she thinks it's helpful to know where I started from (eg if I'm 4 cm dilated when I get to the hospital but I was already 3cm at my appointment then I haven't made that much dilation progress). I have my 37 week appointment today which I'm assuming will be a pants on one.

MamaHolland · December 2015

My midwives said the group b strep is just a quick swab, there is NO speculum used like a Pap smear. They don't do pelvic or cervix checks unless I request it. I don't get undressed at my appointments. I just lift my shirt so they can measure my belly.

ChrissyD1203 · December 2015

@MamaHolland my group b strep last week was very quick (under 30 seconds). It felt like a pap (the whole area is extra sensitive), but it was over so quick.

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