anyone say no to an internal

I still have a bunch of weeks before this will come up at one of my appointments but this is my second baby and i found the internal exams pointless and painful and I dont really want them this time. Can you say no, do people say no?

anyone say no to an internal

I got one last week, and I left feeling disappointed and bummed. I am 39 weeks, and I had zero progress. The doctor told me it's totally normal and I could have the baby any day. I see no point in doing a check. If one is scheduled again, I plan on saying no.

anyone say no to an internal

They seemed pointless to me too and thankfully I never really got the chance to say no. They didn't even do an internal until my due date bc I guess the doctor agreed! I was barely dilated and still hadn't dropped. I went in every 3 days or so to be monitored and didn't have another internal until I was 10 days late (still barely 1cm) bc they thought the baby was still high and didn't see a reason to do it. Ended up 13 days late and only ever had those 2 checks up until I was in labor. Definitely talk to your doctor about it and let them know you don't want them unless they think it's really necessary.

Re: anyone say no to an internal

I had them starting at 38 weeks with my first and they gave me such false hope. I drove myself crazy thinking I could go into labor any day, because that's what my OB told me. The membrane stripping did nothing but make me bleed. It was uncomfortable, painful and unnecessary.

Obviously, I felt pretty strongly about no internals with my 2nd and 3rd unless I request. My midwives were just fine with that. They even told me that they mean nothing because every body is different. I had one with my second at 40 weeks because I was curious, still didn't go into labor until 9 days later. And with my third, I requested one at 41w because I was curious how far I had to dilate. (I had crazy ton of braxton hicks with this pregnancy, I wanted to prove to myself that all that did something!) I was shocked that I was 5cm and nearly 100% effaced, even the midwife said she'd bet money I'd have a baby by the next night, but I knew better. I went into labor 3.5 days later. So, how far dilated and effaced you are is not an indicator of when you'll go in labor!

anyone say no to an internal

I have been having them to check my cervix through out my pregnancy. It is a quick way for my doctor to assess the status of my cervix. I never thought of refusing but it also does not cause me pain. You can refuse any procedure you are not comfortable with-your doctor may offer an alternative like ultrasound.

Re: anyone say no to an internal

Didn't have any internals unless medically deemed necessary (which most OB's will agree they aren't). I had my DS at 41week 2-3 days. I had 1 internal at 37 weeks prior to declining further ones where I was 3cm dilated. Obviously didn't mean anything:)

anyone say no to an internal

I had internals with both my kids.... First, I didn't really see a reason for it, but with my second, that's how we found out he turned breech at 39+ weeks! One week his head was there, and the next, the doctor was all "where the hell is his head???"
I'd like to think that she would have figured that out anyway by feeling the outside of my belly, but I'm glad I had the internal!

Re: anyone say no to an internal

This is baby #2 for me and I plan to not to do the internals...I was given the option with my son and was told they dont really say much.

Re: anyone say no to an internal

My midwife doesn't routinely do them, but she said she could if we wanted. We opted to get one this week because my DH wanted to do a bridal show in Philly next week and I'll be 38 weeks. I was curious if anything was happening.

But I would be fine not getting any more.

anyone say no to an internal

I denied them this time and they said it was totally up to me! I enjoyed not having them!

anyone say no to an internal

I'm sure you could say no. My OB always asked if I wanted it.

Re: anyone say no to an internal

I opted out until I was at my due date. Then it was more curiosity that made me have one, I wasn't forced.

Re: anyone say no to an internal

Thanks everyone. My doctor seemed to do them as part of routine last time with DD and now i feel like i want to say no to them but wasn't sure if people did that. Good to know its possible.