Should my doctor have checked to see?

Question

I went in for my appt at 36 weeks and the doc didn't check to see if I have been dilating at all or if my cervix has changed. I thought this happened around this time so I asked and she said she didn't think it was necessary until next week. I have been having a ton of BH's since 32 weeks. Am I paranoid or is she being lazy about this? I am not extremely worried or anything, I am just a little puzzled.

Answer 1

Cervial checks are USELESS unless you are in active labor. You can walk around 3-4 cm dilated and 100% effaced for a week or more. (I did with my first!) Or you can be closed up tight as a bank vault and have a baby a few hours later. Cervical checks give absolutely no useful information unless you are in active labor.

Many midwives don't do an internal exam until the mother is in labor. Some NEVER do them, not even in labor, but instead rely on other behavioral signs and trusting moms instincts.

Cervical checks are really just another way doctors try to "manage" your labor and birth. No reason to even consent to one at this stage.

Answer 2

I had a baby three years ago and the doc checked my cervix before 36 weeks and every appt after that. When she checked it before 36 weeks I had dilated to 2cm and was put on bed rest until I was 36 weeks. Your doc should have checked your cervix especially since you asked for it

Answer 3

My doc never wanted to check more than absolutely necessary because he said it can lead to contractions, infection and of course, the normal spotting. Its not a necessary thing. Things can change quickly or stay the same for weeks. I stayed at 1cm for almost two weeks, some go much longer than that. I got checked and was at a 1(after being that way for two weeks), next day, went into labor, had my girls. It really doesn't tell ya much, now does it?! Best of luck.

Answer 4

It's not necessary to check at this point - even if you were a little dilated, you could be like that for weeks before labor starts.

Answer 5

At 36 weeks they should start checking every single week.

Call them. But it's still a month early, so if you are not feeling close, it's probably totally fine.

Read up all you can on the signs. But relax, you have probably a month. If it's your first preg, you may even be 6 weeks out.

Hang in mom!

Answer 6

BH's are nothing to worry about, i am sure she told you that. and if you have had a healthy uncomplicated preg so far, then she is not worried, and you shouldn't be either. If you were having problems, then she would watch you, but even if you are dilated, and it's only to one or two, they still wouldn't prep you for delivery, they would send you home. i hope this makes sense...and helps..lol

Answer 7

36 weeks is when my doc checked for the first time and I was 6 cms - Yes she should have, you can call and say you're experiencing some contractions and then she should definately see you.... make sure they are BH!!

GL and CONGRATS

Answer 8

You're telling me you WANT her to shove her hand there to see? Ugh.

My midwives never checked that until I was in labour. Whether you're a couple cm dilated or not at all at this stage is meaningless. You could walk around for five weeks at 2 cm - it's not an accurate predictor of anything.

I hope that reassures you!

Answer 9

No she should have checked to see if you have started dialating. Though every gyno works different i remember for the last 4 weeks my gyno would check to see if my cervix has changed or move maybe next time she'll do it.

Answer 10

It's normal. I didn't get my first check til 39 weeks.
It really depends on your Dr. Some drs don't even check at all because it doesn't really mean anything. Even if you're dialated you could stay that way til you give birth.