Cervical exam
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@Bailey thank you. If I refuse my cervical exam, is there a risk that the doctor will miss something important?
@Bailey how far in do they go? Just fingers? Do they use a tool?
Nope, doctors like to use it as a gauge for seeing how close to labor you are. However, unless you are actively in labor, it still is just a guess. Since you can go from no dilation to baby being out in 24 hours OR be sitting at 2+ for days or even weeks, it's more for the doctors' benefit.
With my first, I turned down all cervical checks. I don't really think they're necessary until you're in active labor. This time around, I probably will let my doctor check because I'm attempting a VBAC and need to be more closely monitored (my prior c-section had nothing to do with something they could have found in a cervical exam though)
@Kirsten yes they only use fingers. i’ve never had a doctor check my cervix using anything else lol
My doctor put her 2 fingers very deep inside and felt baby’s head. It was uncomfortable and painful, I had a minor cramping immediately after. The pain subsided as fast as it started.
@Madina I’m sorry to hear it :( what did your doctor tell you about the results of this exam? does it provide important information? i feel so weird like i'm betraying someone because this is the first time i'm going to refuse something that is in the medical protocol
I requested the check myself just to know how things are going so far. And the results (dilation and effacement) literally tell you nothing about when you are going to deliver. I just came to a conclusion that I’m never doing cervical checks again except when at the hospital😅
The doctor will feel (with hand) if your cervix has softened or dilated and if they can feel how far down baby is. It is pretty uncomfortable for me, maybe a tad painful. It is usually pretty quick, so that helps. Also, you can 100% tell them no if you don't want them to check.