I’ll be 35 weeks soon at my next apt, what to expect during pelvic exam?

Question

I haven’t had a pelvic exam during this pregnancy since I was only about 5 weeks and had some spotting. It wasn’t even my doctor who did the exam since I hadn’t even had my first apt with him yet. I strongly dislike pelvic exams and speculums and all that (yes I realize I’m going to need to get over it) but I’m just wondering what I should expect? I’ve had two PAP smears and a few pelvic exams when I was younger while routinely being tested.

Answer

do you mean a pelvic exam to check if you’re dilated/etc? If so you can deny them. It’s not necessary to know if you’ve dilated yet, or effaced. From my understanding you can simply say no. if you’re going to go through with it well! I think it’s a little uncomfortable, sometimes for me it was painful from being so sore throughout pregnancy. It was always quick though nothing longer than a minute. I noticed I would be sore after/sometimes spotting & cramping.

Answer

I've never had pelvic exams during pregnancy. My midwife has me do the group b swab myself. They only checked me at 40 weeks when I was going to try a stretch and sweep but wasn't dilated enough 🤷🏼‍♀️

Answer

I didnt have any pelvic exams with my first pregnancy after the first appointment to check the cervix to make sure they were closed. Even when they did my group b they didnt do one. I was also never checked for dilation with my first. 
I just had my 36 week for my second pregnancy yesterday and they only did the group b test. They dont check for dilation until labor at my hospital

Answer

They’ll do the pelvic exam and swab for strep B

I’ll be 35 weeks soon at my next apt, what to expect during pelvic exam?

The Top Baby Tracker App: Embrace New Beginnings with Tender Care

The Top Fertility Tracker App: Your Path to Achieving Pregnancy

The Top Pregnancy App: Nurturing Your Journey to Motherhood

The Top Period Tracker for Empowering Your Menstrual Health Journey