Internal Ultrasound

[Justwonderingifthisisnormal]

I'm just wondering if it is normal for a gynecologist to use his fingers to open your vagina while inserting the wand like probe? I've had at least 16 over a period of 12 months and this is the first time it's been done. I felt uncomfortable, although there was a nurse in the room she was behind a screen and my husband wasn't with me on this occasion. AIBU to think there was no need? There is always plently of lubricant on the probe but I might be overacting!

Yes my first scan was like this as so early in pregnancy

Their tops don't usually hang that low, we cover them with a modesty sheet of paper and when they lay down and assume position suddenly the tassel appears and hangs right in the middle.. like the drawstrings on a hoodie, sometimes the eyre at the bottom and they fall down right in the middle of the access area!
we also don't use stirrups, we use a wedge cushion which lifts hips in the air and everything is then in right position and easy access.

im actually quite concerned for the people whose had fingers part the lips to access as there is no need for this and this is not how unis teach (I've lectured at several too - this is not routine practice) and it is not hygienic to then be using that hand to control the ultrasound machine as the buttons / knobs n the machines are not easy to clean to level would be required after an intimate exam.

'Parting of the labia may be necessary to improve image quality.'

https://obgyn.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/uog.939

'Parting of the labia can improve image quality, which generally is best in pregnant women and poorest in menopausal women with marked atrophy, most likely due to varying hydration and tissue quality.'

https://obgyn.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/uog.10131

'Parting of the labia often improves image quality, especially if the labia are hirsute.'

https://obgynkey.com/ultrasound-imaging-of-the-pelvic-floor/

'After parting the labia, the probe covered with condom was then gently introduced into the participant’s vagina advancing slowly toward the cervix. '

https://www.ijrcog.org/index.php/ijrcog/article/view/10117/6625