When will they look ‘down there’?

[PaperHalo]

I’m 37 weeks and so not too long to go... I’ve read a few posts where people have said that midwives have checked their cervix to see if it’s opening... is this something that happens at a normal midwife appointment? I want to make sure I’m ‘prepared’ if the midwife asks to look!!

They won’t check as a matter of course. They will usually check if you think you’re in labour, or are overdue and need a sweep.

Ive had 2 babies and never been ‘checked’ until I actually went into hospital in labour (at 40+6 and 40+2)

Unless your consultant has requested a sweep before 40 weeks then I don’t think they examine you before that. Then you can accept a sweep or not, so if you don’t fancy one then the first time you’ll be examined is when you’re in labour.

I had no vaginal examinations until 40 weeks, and it was very much “would you like me to have a look?” rather than something they felt they needed to do

You may need to learn to use more specific terms.

Why don’t you ask your m/w what their policy is on internal exams and checking cervix prior to labour?

What do you mean by “prepared” btw? Surely if they need to check your cervix they check. As long as you’ve had a wash fairly recently you’re prepared.

I got checked after my waters had gone just to confirm it was them because my pad was dry. Nothing else for 24 hrs when I got examined and I was 6cm

Mine didn't until I was overdue and needed a sweep.

At 41 weeks. But midwife told me at the appointment I had the week before that they’d do a sweep if I went over and she booked an appt for it with me.

I was told by my midwife that internal exams aren't done unless there is a reason for it such as any problems, going overdue or being in labour because I had the same worry, I wanted to be prepared for it!😂
And then I wasn't examined until I was being induced after my waters broke so it's not regularly done.

At my 36 week appointment my midwife said she would give me a sweep at my 38 week appointment if I wanted one so if I agree she’ll be ‘looking down there’ next week

Thanks ladies, just nice to know when I need to put my doctor's pants on!