Question about speculums and dilating

[confuddledDOTcom]

Not sure how to word the subject, but hey.

I went in a couple of days ago because I thought things were happening. They did the fibronectin test and then the doctor said she had to examine me (with her fingers I mean) as she had opened my cervix with the speculum.

Normally they tell me when they do the fibronectin test that my cervix is closed, this is a totally new one on me. Anyone know what it means?

BTW, I'm 32 weeks (OK, 33 weeks, just seen we've passed midnight) and have a history of premature babies (20, 31, 35 weeks) and tightenings that are beyond BH from early on but aren't usually doing anything (went into labour with the 35 weeker at 24 weeks, tested positive for fibronectin, had all the steroids and drip to stop it) and had my steroids at 27 weeks this pregnancy.

Oh latest fibronectin result was invalid (as have the last two been) so not much clue from that.

I'm not sure what you're asking, sorry.

I don't know about the FFT, but if you're cervix is closed it's as it should be when you're not in labour. Its your vagina they open with the speculum so they can see the cervix, as opposed to opening the cervix with it.

Does that help?

Or did the doctor tell you shed opened your cervix with the speculum?!

She said my cervix had opened, when they do the test it's usually enough to tell if I'm dilating but this time she said it had opened and needed to check.

With my history (11 weeks of constant contractions last time) I'm used to them messing about seeing if I'm dilating/ FFT, but this is totally new to me!