No pelvic exam?! Going on 38 weeks

Question

A little pissed.... I just went to my 37 week appointment. I now go once a week, I asked my doctor when I'd be getting a pelvic exam to see if I'm dialated or anything. I was then told they don't do that unless they feel they need to. Being a first time mom this terrifies me. I've never heard of this and everyone I've talked to and told this to is shocked. Is tjis a new thing??

Answer

It's fairly new, cervix checks don't tell the doctors any significant information so they've stopped doing it. (honestly be glad, they're so uncomfortable and sometimes painful)

Answer

Be thankful cervix checks are not needed. They don't really do much other than add stress to the new mother and are very uncomfortable.

Answer

After the second time being checked it didn't hurt anymore. I've probably been checked 6 times now.. it's not necessary but it is nice to know..

Answer

It ends up being a bit depressing. You're depressed when you've not progressed at all. Or you have progressed and secretly expect to go into labor, and you don't. Then you're depressed because you haven't progressed more since the last appointment, or you have, but you're anticipating going into labor soon and it still doesn't happen... If you've had a healthy pregnancy, there's no need to check. Plus, they suck. I was at 3cm and 80% for like, a month, with two of my freaking pregnancies! My doctor kept saying, "I'll be surprised if I don't see you back this weekend!" She even stripped my membranes three weeks in a row! And it never happened... depressing as all hell.

Answer

Yup my doctor told me the same thing. He won't check my cervix unless I'm in active labor. I'll be 41weeks on Saturday and I've been having constant cramping and pelvic pain but not consistent contractions..

Answer

My midwife told me the same thing , which I do trust her so glad you posted and got responses . My next appointment she offered to strip my membranes so we will see

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Ftm as well and my dr doesn't start checking until 38 weeks

Answer

I just went to my ob doc today, and he told me he's not going to start checking till 38 weeks bc just checking before then could end up causing labor or how they put it "stirring the pot". It's better to wait till 38 weeks, unless you go into labor on your own then of course a pelvic exam will be neccersary and go from there. But other then that, ya i thought they started checking around 35 weeks which is what I'll be tomorrow. But nope, I go take my GBS test Monday though and then after that doctor just said see him weekly and go from there!!

Answer

I am stationed in Germany and they don't really do pelvic exams unless they feel the need to. I know in the states with all 3 of my babies they did pelvic exams starting at 37 or 38 weeks. I'm not sure if this is a new thing going on in the states but here in Germany they are very old fashioned about things lol.

Answer

I didn't get one till I thought my water broke, they aren't necessary until you're in the hospital really

No pelvic exam?! Going on 38 weeks

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