cervical checks in labour

[peneleope58]

Hello Ladies

If you had an uneventful 'normal' labour were midwives happy to forego any cervical checks if you didn't want any? Or did they try to talk you round? I know they might be absolutely necessary for example if baby is a suspected breech, or to get an epidural or something is wrong etc... I don't mean that! but if the 'only' reason was to measure dialation/progress and there was no other indication to do so did were they OK with being told no thanks? (this isn't about the merits or drawbacks of cervical exams but about midwives responses to not wanting any). Anyone out there decline? what was the reaction?

Can't help sorry I didn't have an issue with it. However I know you aren't the only one who has asked about this so hopefully someone will come along shortly and have an answer for you.

I asked for no examinations unless medically necessary and the midwives were fine with this. I was examined once on admission and that was it. I got on with delivery without further examinations. I would have chosen to be examined again if I had felt I needed anything more than gas and air. I also asked not to be told how dilated I was as I felt it might discourage me and the MW was fine with this (she told DH). Really glad that I took this approach as with DS1 I had been defeated by the news that I was at 1cm after 18 hours...

Last 3 labours I had no VE's. They were fine about it. Everything looked ok and like all was progressing fine so they were happy to wait and see.

If labour was dragging on a bit with not much happening then I suspect they would want to check on progress.

HTH

I had 3 VE's with DS's birth (lasted 27 hours) MW's were great when I said I didn't want them, I felt fine and thought them un-needed. They checked before giving me pethidine (was 7cm's) then checked again 20 mins later to do ARM then let me get on with it

VEs are not done without appropriate indication or unless the management of labour will change as a result.

we actually try to avoid them if we can due to the risk of infection (and that they are uncomfortable and unpleasant). I only suggest them if someone is asking for pain relief or if I think there might be a problem (fetal heart etc). I don't think midwives would have a problem with it but I can just imagine the obstetricians faces!

I actually had to beg for checks - I was desperate to be told there was some progress! The MWs were very reluctant to do it other than at their standard 4-hourly checks. I didn't mind it though, which I know isn't the case for everyone.

God, I hated the ve. Only got checked once on arrival and leapt off bed in agony. Dc was born an hour or so later w no pain relief 'from what I can feel there's no cervix!'.
Did it hurt so much as was near the end, or is that just what they're like?

I've had hospital births due to prem babies and other complications, and always request no VE's since a dispiriting experience with DD1. I've never had a problem with this from the midwives, they have to write their notes somewhat differently I think, but they seem to respect it.

I know when I'm in active labour because the pain gets bad and I need g&a; I don't want to be examined and potentially sent home. Equally, I know when I'm ready to push because I start pushing!

i only had one ve with dc 3. that was when i first went to hospital. i had a waterbirth and i think they tend to be a bit more hands off.

At 9 1/2cm they realised she was stuck in pelvis through routine check and was rushed to theatre. I would never refuse as it is impossible to say how things will pan out.