Checking for dialation????

Question

I'm 35 wks pregnant and it is getting closer for my doc to start checking my cervix for dialation and im so scared. Just the thought of him putting his whole hand inside me is freaking me out!! Some say it hurts like hell, and some say it doesnt. Is there anyway to ease the discomfort of this?

Answer 1

They don't use their whole hand. Most generally they use 2 or 3 fingers. Also, the discomfort varies with different doctors. The only way to ease the discomfort is to relax.

Answer 2

Like everyone else said they don't use their whole hand, just a finger or two to see how much, if at all, you are dialated. Just try to relax and focus on something in the room to take your mind off of what is happening. And I disagree on the comment that cervical checking is useless unless you are in active labor. If I hadn't been checked at my 37 week appt with my second child I never would have known that he could possibly be born early. I had no idea that I was 4cm dialated on that Thursday until I was checked and the doc said he'd be surprised if I didn't give birth that weekend. 2 days later he was born.

Answer 3

Yeah refuse it. Dilation and effacement are poor predictors of labour and cervical checks should only be done if there is preterm labour, or in well advanced regular labour. And even the second time isn't really necessary your body will know when it is time to push.

Seriously most midwives would never do a cervical check until labour, if then. There is no point just discomfort and the risk of infection.

Answer 4

Tell him no thanks. It's your body and your choice if you want it done. Honestly, there is no reason for it. Cervical checks provide absolutely no useful information unless you are already in active labor. It's just a way that doctors try to "manage" you pregnancy and birth. Many midwives never do internal exams until you are in active labor.....and some NEVER do one.

You can be 100% effaced and 3-4 cm dilated for a week or more. (I was with my first!) Or you can be closed up tight as a drum and have a baby in your arms a few hours later. The information from cervical checks is really useless.

Answer 5

oh thank god for Tiffany's answer - i didnt think it ws a whole hand.

I am 35 weeks and go and see my ob again next Tuesday - if there was a whole hand going up there i might start looking into inducing labour early. I realise that is where the baby comes out but i do wonder how necessary the whol hand going up there is at this stage.

Good luck

I am due 27th Feb

Answer 6

each and every being pregnant is distinctive. My first son grew to become into born at 32 weeks. My 2d being pregnant grew to become into with twins, my docs started checking for dilation and effacement at 28 weeks the 2d time around. yet on a typical low threat being pregnant i'm distinctly specific that they do start up checking around 36 weeks.

Answer 7

They don't use their whole hand! Your cervix is low anyway and they check it with 2 fingers. If they are trying to move you along they might try to put their finger in the opening of your cervix and that can be quite painful. Otherwise, no big deal!

Answer 8

It's not that bad.no different to having your pap smear only you don't need the speculum. Usually the docotor or midwife is very gentle.sometimes during labour itself it can be a little uncomfortable.It's a very quick feel.Just relax, by the end of this pregnancy you will ahve left all your modesty out the window LOL

Answer 9

relax it doesnt hurt at all only a lil discomfort... dont even think about it...remember a BABY is coming out through there...not just a hand...freak out when baby is coming out ...

Answer 10

Alright...for one he doesnt stick his WHOLE hand up there. Usually just two fingers. I found it was exceptionally uncomfortable while i was in labour but other than that it wasnt too bad. Its ok relax hun.