I am 21 weeks preggo and more then labour pains I am scared of the hospital staff touching me there...I heard that they check you regularly to see if you've started opening... thoughts of all those tests is driving me crazy.....although I had my gyn check me once on the inside and that was horrible too......what do I do? is there any option?
2006-11-11 20:11:38 · 15 answers · asked by 28March2007 1 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Pregnancy
Isn't there any difference between your hubby and other people?
2006-11-12 02:36:40 · update #1
you want what may be considered an unassisted birth, and yes the person above that encourageed you to look into birthing at home had an excellent idea!
that being said, if you decide to have a hospital birth EVERYTHING is optional! Nothing can be done without your informed consent! even procedures that are considered mandatory cannot be done without your consent! if you dont want an intervention you have the legal right to say no, but I will caution you, you should know what the procedure is for and what may happen if you do/don't have it done.
this list is for informed consent, when someone wants to preform a procedure this list can help you decide if it should be done.
1. Is this an emergency or do we have time to talk?
2. what would be the benefits of doing this?
3. what would be the risks?
4. If we do this what other procedures or treatments might we end up needing as a result?
5. what could we try first or instead?
6. what if we waited an hour or two before doing it?
7. what would happen if we do nothing at all?
by the way, I also have issues with internal exams during labor, and I will not be allowing them. internal exams increase the risk fo infection, and do nothing more than allow the hospital to put you on a time scedule (ie you have dilated x cm in y hours) there are sufficient signs that your baby is ready to be born without doing internal exams (most effective if you are not accepting medication during the birth)
2006-11-11 21:13:25 · answer #1 · answered by tpuahlekcip 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Nope. No option. That's how we know how the labor is progressing. Don't know if anyone told you, but that's where the baby is coming out. The only other option is a c-section, and this is truly a stupid reason to chose a section. I'm not trying to be mean, but really, you don't want a c-section just to avoid this.
At my hospital, we "check" your cervix when you get there, when you want something for pain, before the epidural, and then when you feel pressure. Not a ton of exams.
We do get people who freak out over the exams. Honestly, it's just annoying. We know you've had sex at this point. and it's much much harder to do the exam if you clamp your knees together and wiggle off the bed. It should only take a second, and it shouldn't hurt. Nurses in general are gentler than doctors. and the further along you are in the pregnancy, the easier the exam is.
2006-11-11 22:55:22 · answer #2 · answered by trivial 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you DO have an option. Yes...when you arrive they'll want to check to see where you stahnd to start with, however, my sister has delivered 5 kids and have VERY minimal internal exams. You DO have a choice, and forget the people who are judging you based on the fact you are pregnant. There IS a difference between your husband and a doctor or nurse you don't know in the same way. I also don't care for this stuff, and though there ARE times when it is necessary, you can refuse if you don't want it. Very few things are actually *legally* mandatory...you are the patient and you have the final say. Good luck!!!
2006-11-12 06:30:43 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Believe me, when the time comes, you are going to be in that much pain you won't care who is down there touching you so long as they get the baby out so the pain will stop.
I have 3 children. My first two were delivered safely in hospital, but my third came rather quickly so my Mum delivered her. Thinking back, it was quite embarrasing having my mother stick her hand inside me to get the cord from round my daughters neck, but at the time I didn't care.
Don't worry, you will be fine. There is always the option of discussing with your midwife the possibility of having a c section if you really are that scared.
Good Luck!
2006-11-11 20:17:12 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I am very modest but after having 10 visits with my OB/GYN beforehand and then not wanting to get sent home after having back labor contractions at the hospital, I didn't care who touched me as long as they weren't going to send me home. After a while you'll realize they are doing their job and just want to help you have your baby. Also, usually, one nurse is assigned to you when you first arrive and she'll be the only one checking you for a while. All of my nurses were very gentle and kind and professional. Good luck!
2006-11-11 20:43:23 · answer #5 · answered by Precious 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When you start labor, you won't give second thought to whose looking at you down there. Modesty seems to all go away. All you can think about is "get this thing out of me"! When you hit about 37 weeks, the doctor usually checks you every week to determine if you've dialated or effaced. I've always thought it was exciting. Think of the positive outcome of such an uncomfortable situation!
2006-11-12 07:28:50 · answer #6 · answered by tossingcoconuts 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If they don't check you, they won't be able to tell you when it's okay to push. Keep that in mind whenever they come in to check you. Just keep thinking that maybe this time they'll tell you it's time to meet your child.
Also try to get used to it. You have a lifetime of GYN visits ahead of you-with or without kids- and you'll need to endure those as well.
When I was still early in my pregnancy, and now when they check my cervix, they do ultrasounds in "there". It's not really a big deal.
2006-11-11 21:41:26 · answer #7 · answered by desiderio 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Take a very deep breath and tell yourself that it is necessary for the delivery of your child and that MILLIONS of women go through it each year. You need to psyche yourself up right now! I was very fearful myself, but when those contractions started and they got long and hard, I didn't care who was touching me down there or who was watching! Keep the end results in mind - it really isn't as bad as you think! Congrats on the pregnancy and I wish you well with your delivery!
2006-11-11 20:16:06 · answer #8 · answered by Christy 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
maybe u shouldn't have let anyone touch you at all. then u wouldn't be preggo. u have to go for checkups if u want a healthy baby just close your eyes. a female nurse should always be there when u are examined.
2006-11-11 20:41:28 · answer #9 · answered by DAYNA S 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
this is something im afraid you are going to have to get over, its a really important part of delivery that the dr's are able to check you inside, just remember the dr's and midwives do this everyday and are probably thinking about what they have planned for on the weekend more than judging your 'bits' just relax and think of something else.
2006-11-11 21:43:23 · answer #10 · answered by leanda 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋