6 Week Postpartum Checkup?

Question

Is it absolutely necessary to get an internal exam during the 6 week PP checkup?
I have a history of being sexually abused as a pre-teen. During labor, they had to forcefully break my water, and that event set off my PTSD so badly I was having a panic attack during every cervical check afterwards. I feel silly that it affected me this way, but the pain and experience just triggered me that badly.
And now I've been so anxious about this doctors appointment, because I'm terrified they're going to need to touch me. Like, I can allow an external exam and handle just a very simple check, but I don't know how I'll do if they need to do cervical check or anything like that. So is the internal exam important at this checkup? Or can I get by without it? (I had a natural vaginal birth with a 2nd degree tear)

*UPDATE*
I went to the doctor today and explained how I was feeling. She was very understanding, and decided because everything else was healed perfectly, we could skip the internal exam. I just need to call at the first sign of something not being right, to avoid any complications. Thank you all for your kind words :)

Answer

I wasn't examined internally at any point post partum. Just had my stomach felt to see how my uterus was and asked if the bleeding had stopped,

Answer

Yes it's really important because they also need to make sure that everything is healing properly up there with regards to your uterus. I'm so sorry for what you've been through, but it's important to get checked out for your health.

Answer

I'm in the UK, so the practice may be different where you are, but I didn't need to be examined internally at the 6 week checkup. I had 2nd degree tears as well, but the doctor just asked me if I was healing ok, asked a few other questions and felt my uterus from the outside (through the tummy). I'd ask if that's a possibility. They only would have done an internal examination if I had any signs of complications. I'd encourage you  to go, you don't want to risk leaving something undetected.

Answer

I would talk to your doctor and get their opinion. However I have not had a vaginal exams at my 6 week appt with my last 2 babies. I had uncomplicated vaginal births with 1 stitch. Questions were asked, concerns were addressed and if they or I found it necessary we would've done one. Now with my 3 babies before these last 2 I did have an exam. So like I said I'd just bring it up with the doctor and maybe explain what happened as a teen and during labor/delivery and why you don't want one if that's their policy.

Answer

DO NOT FEEL SILLY.

Unfortunately, yes. Does your care provider know your history? That may help them treat you differently.

In a perfect world all medical professionals would ask you if they can do what they'd like to do, tell you the risk vs benefit, tell you what would happen if they did nothing, and let you decide for yourself what to do.

6 Week Postpartum Checkup?

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