When will my doctor check my cervix next? At my next appointment, I will be 33 weeks.?

Question

I know that unless there is a problem, they avoid checking your cervix until later in pregnancy. Can I expect it at my next check up (33 weeks)? When did they check you?

I am just wondering because in my first pregnancy I found out I was 3 cm dilated at 36 weeks, with no signs other than braxton hicks contractions. I am just wondering, and have no reason to be concerned for my health or preterm labor. Thank you!

They do a pap again? I had a full exam and pap at my 8 week apointment. I thought they did those yearly?

Answer 1

If you have mentioned that to your OB then you might actually be getting them earlier then "standard" checks. Usually they start around 36 weeks...the same time you go to weekly appointments. I started getting cervix checks at about 24 weeks since I had a pretty bad tear to the cervix with my son's delivery. Doctor didn't know if it would open early or not. Lucky for me so far everythign is good. I've only dialated to about a 2 and am nearly 37 weeks.

Answer 2

It's different with every practitioner. Some start checking routinely at 36 weeks and check at every appointment from there on out. More are waiting until 39-40 weeks, and it is becoming more of a standard practice to not check at all unless labor starts, or if there is some other reason that warrants checking, because there is no medical benefit in knowing if you are dilated or not. You could be 3cm for weeks without labor starting, or you could be 1cm and go into labor the next day.

Ask your doctor at your next appointment how they do it.

And about Paps - they only do those yearly, so if you had one at 8 weeks, you're still good for another few months.

Answer 3

My little girl was born on a saturday, the monday before I had seen the doctor at 39 weeks and he told me that he would see me exactly one week from then but I went into labour three days early and never experienced that. Although I had an internal done at the hospital when I was in labour and I would have taken 24 hours in labour rather than have that done again - but I know all women are different! I don't think I ever did cancel that appointment with the doctor :)

Answer 4

I don't remember getting checked until 37 or 38 weeks...Good dr.s shouldn't and most of the time wont check you unless you are in labor as their fingers provide a free ride for anybacteria to get right up in there and possibly cause problems...It is best to have as few cerivical exams as possible even during labor... To help prevent infection.

I don't think many women get to 10 without knowing it...A few but not the majority!

Answer 5

Today I had my first cervix check (3cm woo! so close), and I'm 1 day shy of 38 wks. He said if I haven't gone into labor by 39 wks, they're inducing.. it really depends on your doctor and if it's your first pregnancy. For the first one they are probably not going to actively check weekly until 39 weeks or so to determine whether or not you are going to need help going into labor. Just my thoughts.

Answer 6

It depends on the doctor. Some check routinely after week 38, some not at all unless you're in labor.

Pap Smears are done annually so you should not need another.

Answer 7

I think it really depends on your practitioner. Mine generally doesn't check until 39-40 weeks, unless there's a reason to be concerned.

Answer 8

at 36 weeks he will start checking it but for you it might be earlier since you had a problem the last time.

Answer 9

probably not until you are 36 weeks when they do your pap again.