well rochester, i didn;t know about internal examination with my first child either, no one told me. But perhaps it better they didn't that would have just made me more anxious.
i also think you should not watch programmes like one birth every min, specially since its your first. I remember seeing some programmes in antenatal classes, and they made labour appear like it was a torture leading to death.
Yes some women find it more painful than others, but then we are fortunate to have pain relief in this country. I don't think it is as torturous as it appears in the media. Believe me if you keep a positive attitude, have good breathing techniques, take pain relief if you require it, you will be just fine. just try not to go all negative because that can just prolong the process. things may not go according to your birth plan if there are complications so bear that in mind.
I think with first they can be more fussy with internal examinations and keeping baby on heart monitor. so be sure to note in your birth plan, minimal examinations and say you want to be as active as possible so upright rather than lying down. heart monitors can restrict, i dont know why they put me on it since i had no problems, that really prolonged the process for me and made it more painful than need be.
A midwife told me leave your dignity at the door, seriously you need to. yes its hard but once contractions come hard and fast you will not care believe me.
however the first experience of labour and birth is mindblowing, life changing that memory remains imprinted forever, despite pain all i remember is the beauty and wonder of it all, it is truly amazing.
i hope your birth goes as planned keep positive, im sure you will have a gorgeous baby soon, and the pain will be forgotten in flash.