I'm pregnant with my third baby so have been doing a bit of reading here and there about what's happening each week with bub's development. I've read in a couple of places things like "your doctor will check your cervix this week" and the like. I've never had my cervix checked before excepting when I was in labour. Is this common practise for obstetricians? I've been through the midwives before but have a private doctor this time.
4 Replies
I think with my first the midwife did an internal exam at my 40 week check up, And then when in labour. Second never until labour and im now 34 weeks with third and none.
Ive had 4 pregnancies and was never checked pre-labour, and i was more than happy for them not to check!
I only started having the internals once they were going to induce me due to high blood pressure. I think I had about 5 after that before birth. Towards the end I hated them!
At my 39 week checkup after telling the midwife about period pains for the last few days she asked if I would like her to check if I was in prelabour by checking my cervix.
I wanted to know so she checked and informed me I was 3 cms dilated already and to try natural things to bring it on sooner if I so desired.
I could have said no to the offer though, there was no pressure.
I would personally think it odd to require or be offered an internal without good reason though....