dr. appts.. can we say no to internals?

Are we able to tell the dr. that we do not want any pelvic exams from 35 weeks on? I really do not like these..just curious.

Re: dr. appts.. can we say no to internals?

Its going to depend on your doctor. Many require these because they want to check your progression. They also do the Strep test (like a pap smear) during your 36th week internal. My internal at 36 weeks hurt, but at 37 weeks it did not because the baby was so low that they didn't have to reach in for her.

Re: dr. appts.. can we say no to internals?

My dr doesn't actually give them until 39 weeks. You are the patient and you should always be able to determine what they do to you!

Re: dr. appts.. can we say no to internals?

do you think for a scheduled c section they would even bother with all this?

Re: dr. appts.. can we say no to internals?

great question, I don't want them aggravating anything , so I too would rather them wait till later

Re: dr. appts.. can we say no to internals?

Message edited 5/10/2008 12:00:06 PM.

Re: dr. appts.. can we say no to internals?

Yes, you can say no. Honestly, they don't tell you anything -- a woman can be 2 cm dilated for weeks before she delivers or vice versa, she can have no dilation and go into labor that night.

That's what I hate about them -- too often women think they are "going to go early" because they are 2 cm dilated at 36 weeks and they get so disappointed if they are still pregnant at 39 weeks.
Also, every time you have an internal you are also increasing your chances of getting an infection.

The only time they are useful is if you are facing an induction -- the more dilated you are, the better your chances for a successful inductions. My midwives don't even do internals until you are a week past your due date.

Re: dr. appts.. can we say no to internals?

Re: dr. appts.. can we say no to internals?

GREAT question

I never even thought to ask
Kudos for asking it!!

Message edited 5/10/2008 7:17:02 PM.

Re: dr. appts.. can we say no to internals?

You can absolutely say no! With my last pregnancy I didn't have any until my 40th week appointment per my request.

Re: dr. appts.. can we say no to internals?

Re: dr. appts.. can we say no to internals?

hmm..well i think im going to ask my dr. to not do them, i do not want an infection. I think when I see my dr. tuesday, and the nurse comes in and tells you to put the gown on so they can exam, what do i do? Tell her no, I do not want to have an internal exam? Would they go against your word? I asked my dr last week, what happens if i go into labor be4 my scheduled c-section day? She said, they would still do the c-section and basically nothing would be different. Not only that, but my dr. scheduled my csection for June 12th and my due date is June 14th! Wouldnt that be a little too close? I asked her about that and she said, yeh sometimes we do it close, maybe b/c of the hospital being booked up or something.

Re: dr. appts.. can we say no to internals?

I don't know why you're scheduled for a C-section, but if they are afraid of you going into labor they might want to do the internal. Honestly, I have no personal experience with scheduled C's, so I can't really speak to that.

But, just tell them you really prefer not to have the exam -- that you don't want to risk infection and you're not interested in the information they give. If your doctor feels it is necessary in your case she'll explain why she thinks it's a good idea. If you agree, go ahead and have the exam. Good luck!

Re: dr. appts.. can we say no to internals?

ABSOLUTELY...there is no "need" for them at all

I am refusing them next pregnancy

Re: dr. appts.. can we say no to internals?

Posted by pumpkinpye517

hmm..well i think im going to ask my dr. to not do them, i do not want an infection. I think when I see my dr. tuesday, and the nurse comes in and tells you to put the gown on so they can exam, what do i do? Tell her no, I do not want to have an internal exam? Would they go against your word? I asked my dr last week, what happens if i go into labor be4 my scheduled c-section day? She said, they would still do the c-section and basically nothing would be different. Not only that, but my dr. scheduled my csection for June 12th and my due date is June 14th! Wouldnt that be a little too close? I asked her about that and she said, yeh sometimes we do it close, maybe b/c of the hospital being booked up or something.

Re: dr. appts.. can we say no to internals?

YES...you are totally allowed to say no to any internals. They are not medically necessary. If the nurse, doc or anyone gives you a hard time, you just explain it is your "patient right to say NO"!

Re: dr. appts.. can we say no to internals?

I only got 1 at 36 weeks and will not hav any more unless there is a good reason for it. At 36 weeks I had the group b strep test and a pap test along with the internal exam.

Re: dr. appts.. can we say no to internals?

wow, i never thought about this. I got preg w/ IUI and RE does internals every week. i never heard of anyone getting an infection.... I am only 6 weeks preg. Are u guys havving this discussion b/c u are close to your due date and thats why u r weary?
also does anyone know any preggers 1st hand who got an infection from internal?

Re: dr. appts.. can we say no to internals?

i know my friend in the delivery room kept checking her and she got e.coli actually.. i too have had 2 infections already and on antibiotics.. i dont think it was from the internals.. well, id hope not anyways! i would just like to refrain from them if they really are unnecessary .. especially since i opted for my c-section.