No internal exams all pregnancy, is this normal?

[georgiaaawhite]

Is it normal not to be checked internally for things like dilation with midwives in the UK? I've seen loads of forums online with lots of expecting mothers that get checked on how far dilated they are or other factors to show perhaps when they may go into labour, but my midwife hasn't done anything of the kind, is this normal?

I am 37+2 if that is any help
Thank you in advance x

Perfectly normal in UK.

If you accept a sweep at 40+ weeks then that's the only time you'd normally have one before labour. There's not actually any point to them in pregnancy before then - they don't tell the Dr anything in a normal pregnancy.

No, we don't do this in the UK. It is standard practice in the US though.

Completely normal.

Absolutely pointless as it tells you nothing. Plus vaginal examinations in pregnancy may stimulate cervix and trigger early labour.

Oh right, thank you all! makes me feel more at ease now :)

Don't usually do internal exams until either you're in labour or overdue and having a sweep. Not much point in examining you before you're in labour!!

I only had one internal during pregnancy and that was following some bleeding. Had an ELCS so can't comment about when you're in labour.

Internals are an infection risk. It's good they aren't standard practice until really needed

I think it is completely bonkers that is is standard in the US. I didn't have an internal until I was on labour and at 4cm!