Ok, so I’m a ftm... this will become painfully obvious when you read my question lol. I am doing biweekly appointments with my Ob, and last appointment (32 weeks) I asked if they would be checking my cervix to see if I’m dilated, etc.

She said they don’t check unless you request it (and she made it sound like I’d be silly to request this). Soo, I mean. Can you FEEL physically, anything when you’re dilated? Not like “can I stick my finger up there and feel,” I know that’s a bad idea lol, but like— will I be able to feel a difference myself downstairs? Like will my vagina hurt? Or something? 😂😂 this probably sounds so dumb.

The reason I ask is because I alwayssss see women post “I was ___ dilated and ___ effaced and my doctor thinks it won’t be long now” but, if my doctor doesn’t plan on checking these things- won’t I be super in the dark as to when labor may start?? Is there any way to kind of know myself ?? Is it weird they won’t check if I’m progressing at all? She said they won’t even start checking until I’m at 40 weeks. Isn’t this odd??