When should my doctor star checking?

Question

How far in pregnancy should my doctor start checking me if I'm dialated? I'm going on 37 weeks and he still hasn't check me. I asked and he said when I'm 38 weeks and further or when I start having stronger contractions. Seems kinda late, no?

Answer 1

Most doctors don't start checking for dilation until your are almost due to deliver. Checking too soon may cause problems. I know it feels like you've been pregnant for 20 years, but it sounds like your doctor is taking very good care of you.

Answer 2

I am wondering if this is your first child. I know that when I was pregnant I really didn't look forward to the Doctor checking me. What the doctor told you is very accurate. Unless you start early labor or your water breaks or lose your mucus plug or are having strong contractions Then I wouldn't worry too much about the doctor checking for dilation. Even if this is your first child, nature kind of takes over and you'll know when everything is right and even what to do. Don't worry, what your going through is very natural. Good Luck and congrats on your new baby. I hope everything goes well for you.

Answer 3

Some caregivers NEVER check you. Honestly, it's better if he keep his hands to himself. Checking your cervix really gives very little useful information. You could be closed up tight as a drum and have a baby a few hours later. Or you could walk around for a week or more dilated 3-4 cm and 100% effaced. Cervical checks really mean NOTHING in reguards to when you will give birth. Some midwives only check you during labor and some never check you at all but instead the just watch mom's body language and listen to her vocalizations.

Answer 4

I wouldn't worry about it because most women go full term 42 weeks.and if he checks you too early it can cause infections down there and you dont want that so i say dont worry about it,He'll do it soon enough. Here are some things to watch for if you really need to be checked:

* 4 cintimeters dialated
* red spotting
* alot of green or yellow discharge
* meucuse plug falls out
* water brakes
* contractions 5 minutes apart
Other than thoses things you should be fine.
and if you feel the need to be checked all you have to do is tell him you really want to be checked.

Answer 5

Wish I hadn't had to be checked as often. I was considered high risk with both pregnancies and my dr had me in his office every 2 wks and checked me every 2 wks from my first appointment until about 6 months... then it was every week i was in his office and checked. But... I do have 2 healthy children. If your pregnancy was normal, then I don't see why this would be a problem or concern.

Answer 6

I was 32 weeks when they first checked me. I was dilated 2 cm then so they checked me every time I went into the drs office after that.

Answer 7

With all my kids they checked me around 36 weeks if not at 34.

Answer 8

Mine never checked me. I had to go to the hospital beause I started bleeding, that was the first time I was checked.

Answer 9

through all my pregnancy's my doctor started checking around 36 wks.

Answer 10

my doctor said 36 weeks