Any help

[Zay04]

Hello Ladies

I had slight spotting today and am 7 months. Cut a long story short and to get to the main bit, went to the hospital where the doctor wanted to do a internal examination, well the doctor tried. I've never had a smear test before, but it was really, really painful. I tried using gas and air, but that did not work. The doctor was lovely and kept telling me to relax but I can not see how I could have relaxed any more. And now I'm scared, as if I can not take that pain, what the hell am I going to do when it comes to giving birth. I am really worried and the whole experience has really shook me. I mean I know labour is never going to be pain free, but to go through that again would be agony.

Any help/advice would be appreciated, please

Thanks in advance

If its any help I had a similar experience. I was induced by pessary and putting that darn thing in took 15 minutes of poking and prodding. I was screaming in pain and sobbing. I was offered no pain relief and told to just get on with it. Labour seemed easier somehow, it had a purpose and more importantly gas and air!!!

I am nursing my 5 week old as I type this. So worth it, you WILL make it. Remember, your body was designed for this, it will help you.

Was your cervix posterior? Did you have to put your fists behind your lower back, if you did then you have a posterior cervix and it hurts like hell!!! The more effaced your cervix is .etc the less uncomfortable it is as they are not reaching right inside you, so it is better when you are in labour but it is never pleasant.
I am going to be ordering a hypnotherapy CD in preparation for labour maybe something like this would help you? Oh and do perineal massage, it really helps.

The worst bit about childbirth for me is the internal examinations and you have already been through that. I don't mind a baby coming out but you can fuck off putting anything in or up me!

I would defo recommend looking into Hypnobirthing; great for focus and relaxation. And your body's natural endorphins etc will kick in during birth: for an exam you're just tense and stressed. Try to keep as calm as poss (hypo will help no end with this). Good luck!

The other thing to remember is that during labour you don't have to consent to internal examinations. Even though medical guidance suggests they should be offered every four hours, you don't have to have them.

Being examined is a totally different experience to feeling contractions. And like LaTristesse says, in labour endorphins kick in and if you're having an examination (especially if there are concerns beforehand, like you had) then you are bound to be tense, which makes it difficult.

And if you need it, stronger pain relief in labour is available and there's NO shame in taking it.

Thanks ladies, this really helps. Thats what my sister said, things will naturall kick in when giving birth. Will look into Hypnobirthing, as I think I just need help relaxing. A posterior cervix??Never heard of that. Sorry I am being dumb, but how would you know??

When they were examining you did they ask you to make fists and put them underneath your lower back? If they did it usually means your cervix is towards the back and harder to reach. :)

no they didn't...but thanks for explaining it to me.