my friend had this happen at her 20 week scan - is this normal?

[Keenoonvino]

She has just told me that to check her cervix, the sonographer went up her bumhole for a look. Is this normal?! She said he didn't really explain anything just did it. She had her partner in the room with her.

I am dying of curiosity wondering if this is normal or not and if so, why has this not happened to me, anyone I know, or in anything I've read?!? I don't want to press her for any more details...

It could have been a transperineal scan (well it clearly was but Ykwim) if so I would certainly expect to be told why it was necessary, asked for consent and also a discussion about it with my consultant and midwife - it's not a usual thing for a hospital sonographer to be doing in a routine pregnancy scan with no further input and if there are legitimate reasons for one then your friend should have had a lot more information about what was seen, risks and results.
Also transperineal scanning fails to get an image in about 20-30% of cases whereas transvaginal doesn't - tv is the indicated option for cervical length measurement.

Also transperineal is exactly as stated - it is a perineal scan and not per rectum. If she really had something shoved up her arse a lot has gone wrong.

Medical people dont just shove things up your bum to have a look, everything would be explained first, it would not be just a sonographer, a doctor and nurse would be on hand etc...

Somethings not quite right here.

One step I've had plenty of TV scans with just one person in the room. That is normal. The bum thing ... No. He needs reporting!

Are you sure this is not made up Op. I can't believe anyone would not realise what was happening (wrong hole) and carry on nor that the procedure wouldn't be explained beforehand.

And 2 of mine there was only me and sonographer in the room but the procedure was explained

She said he said "I need to check your cervix and put this inside" and then just did it before she could even register. I can totally understand the situation where you feel exposed and that the professional knows better and you are so shocked you don't say anything.

I also don't want to make a huge deal out of it to her because she just said it was awkward and uncomfortable but she hasn't said to me she feels abuse or anything...

I was offered a cervix scan at my 20 week scan and was told its an optional procedure so my choice if I wanted it or not. Have had some bleeding so said yes. It certainly didn't go there! Just a regular internal scan. Eep.

Just to clarify was she lying starkers then? I just lifted my top and rolled down my leggings was she asked to undress?

No didnt mean scan, meant if they were going to insert without prior warning into your anus,when you hadnt gone for that, they wouldnt just go ahead without consultation with you. A sonographer surely cant just decide to look and insert into your anus without warning, I cant believe that.

Ive had internal scans before, thats fairly standard.

If you google transperineal scan rectum there's something on there about pelvic floor

You can look at the cervix via the bum hole. True fact

I've just messaged ultrsonographer friend . Awaiting answer and I'll report back.

Thanks doin

I hadn't even thought about her being starkers, that's a really good point. I just rolled my jeans down and lifted top.

I will def ask her that when I speak to her. I don't want to keep texting her and giving her 3rd degree...

I had my cervix checked at my 20 week scan and it was an internal probe in my vagina, not my bum...

I think she did it by mistake.
Did your friend say she pulled it out quick and did it tv?

Why did she not have any clothes on ?

Nope she said not Transvag at all, just anal.

I am so confused now. I will ring her later or tomorrow and chat to her about this - everything so far has been over text. As soon as I speak to her ill update. I am quite worried now....

Just had a reply and she said its a bit odd

Was she checking the uterus? Because this can be done by an anal scan.

Is your 'friend' a cow? Because this is how they figure out cows are pregnant apparently

Sonographer friend said she needs more details to ascertain whether it's justified or not- what was sonographer checking for? Had they seen an anomaly ?

This can not be right and even if it is okay to stick something in someone's backside to check something it is NOT okay to do it without the patient giving express permission.

Biology surely means camera up arse = not seeing anything baby related.