34 weeks, internal examination

[Mangobubbles]

Having one tomorrow for placenta previa. I will find out if I can have a natural birth or c section. Suddenly I'm really nervous, is it painful? I had one a few years ago but I was only 6 weeks pregnant so it wasn't that uncomfortable. Has anyone had one later on in their pregnancy? Was it ok?

I have placenta praevia and will have a scan at 32-34 weeks but no internals unless they know it has moved. Why are they doing an internal? I don't understand why they would? Unless you mean a TV scan? If so a TV ultrasound is more accurate for PP apparently.

Yes a TV scan, sorry. But that is putting a probe inside the vagina, isn't it? And apparently lasts 15-20 mins. I'm already so uncomfortable! Have you had one?

I've had a bunch of these exams and none of them hurt. It's a bit awkward but that's it.

If you are uncomfortable speak up because it shouldn't be

I had one early in pregnancy for a threatened miscarriage. Obviously I wasn't as uncomfortable generally then, but the internal itself wasn't bad at all. It's a very slim wand-like thing, I wouldn't worry too much.

I had one recently. The sonographer couldnt get clear enough pictures doing us.

It wasn't that bad. As I commented at the time (to the sonographer) getting a smear was a gazillion tines worse!!

I've had eight TV scans in total this pregnancy, the last one being at 34 weeks, as long as you relax it's fine. Mine usually took five to ten mins. The only one that I found uncomfortable was the last one and it turned out to be due to a UTI

Yep, can second what other ladies have said. I've had a few TV scans and didn't find any of them painful or even uncomfortable. It's just a wand which they cover with a condom and lots of loob. Maybe just don't drink much for a few hours before and empty your bladder completely, plus ask for a sheet so you can keep warm. Very best of luck with your scan Mango and hope you get the result you are after

Yep, for cervical length measurement - not painful or uncomfortable, just not what you'd pick to do of an afternoon. Speak up if it's not right though.

I've had them in other situations, not my favourite thing to do, but it is ok. It will give a better idea of placenta than TA, fingers crossed yours has moved!

Thank you.

It doesn't hurt at all. It's less uncomfortable than a smear in my opinion. You will get an accurate measure of distance of placenta from cervix unlike with an abdominal scan. If you're hoping for a vaginal delivery a few millimeters can make all the difference in the decision making.

Yippee! The placenta has moved right out of the way and the baby is head down! Didn't need a TV in the end either! Totally not what I expected. Very relieved. Thanks all.

Great news Mango