No virginal examinations or virginal examinations standing up.

[star_faces]

i had a traumatic birth with my daughter and am keen to have a more positive experience this time. Last time I felt it all went wrong when they asked me to lie on my back for an examination and I ended up having an emergency c section. I'm not lying down this time and it has been suggested that virginal examinations can be done with me up right however every midwife I've spoken to have side stepped the issue. Think I will decline any examinations of it means lying down. Anybody been examined standing up? Or not had any?
Thanks for any advice or anecdotes

 

[Mthoodmom]

No one can force you to get into a certain position, but it really helps if you have a supportive care provider and someone (husband, sister, doula) there who can advocate for you. You might have to be pushy to get what you want. You may even decide that refusing vaginal exams is what you have to do.

 

[HopefulEm]

I did not have any vaginal examinations with DD and it all went fine. If you prefer not to have them, then go with your gut!

 

[fieryphoenix]

You definitely can decline checks, i don't see how they coukd be done standing though. Also wanted to say your title made me giggle

 

[cosmicgirlxxx]

I don't think many of us in this section are virginal hehe

 

[lynnikins]

I tend to point blank refuse them, i didn't benefit from any physical exams in my first 2 labours other than knowing when to call DH back to the hospital, Had no exams in labour with any of the others and delivered them all with no problems

 

[BunnyN]

My MW did a couple of quick checks while I was squatting. Of course its easier for them when you are on your back with feet up but they can be done in other positions if the MW is skilled enough. As long as labour is going okay there shouldn't be any need. I thought about saying I didn't want them in my first labour but by the time I had been in labour 20+ hrs I was pleased to know what was happening. I found I needed help back on my feet after lying down so if you do end up on your back for some reason make sure your OH knows you want help on your feet after.

 

[hollyrose]

I had checks done when i was kneeling on the bed. Mw wanted me to ly down but i said no because i was in a good position 4 the pain. Xo

 

[TTCBean]

I denied checks with my DS, helped a lot just focusing on the now and not how far along I am. My midwife had no issue with it.

 

[jessmke]

I will be declining all internal exams during my labour. They really don't tell you anything except where you are in that exact moment. If they check and you are say 5 cm dilated, this doesn't give any indication of how much longer you will be in labour, so what is the point in knowing? Once you become fully dilated you will get the urge to push, so I will just go with what my body is telling me to do.

 

[Srrme]

My MW was happy not to perform any exams during my entire pregnancy. I did have one during labor, per my request, because I was curious how much longer I had before pushing. I was a 9 at that time.