grey_pony
Expecting a girl!
- Joined
- Jan 10, 2011
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Hi guys, I have read the recent threads about internal exams and refusing them. I just have a few questions. My next appointment is at 38 weeks, and I am not sure if the doctor will want to do an internal exam. I would rather not have an exam if I don't need to. They are uncomfortable, kind of embarrassing, etc. As far as I know, the purpose is just to check for dilation, and the effacement of the cervix? Does it matter if they know how dilated I am or not?? This sounds dumb, but there is no chance the baby could just "fall out" without warning? You could not be a 10cm and not know it, right?? (I was watching that show "I didn't know I was pregnant" lol - apparently it can happen!).
Can you help me list some pros and cons of an internal exam before 40 weeks? Are they even necessary before labor (they have already done my GBS test). If they want to do an internal, I may refuse and just ask to wait until I am in labor. Is this safe to refuse; are there any reasons to allow the exam if baby's heart rate is good and I am feeling healthy?
Pros:
Cons: discomfort, risk of infection, not a predictor of when labor will begin
Can you help me list some pros and cons of an internal exam before 40 weeks? Are they even necessary before labor (they have already done my GBS test). If they want to do an internal, I may refuse and just ask to wait until I am in labor. Is this safe to refuse; are there any reasons to allow the exam if baby's heart rate is good and I am feeling healthy?
Pros:
Cons: discomfort, risk of infection, not a predictor of when labor will begin