Can I asked to be examined at 37+4

[Anonymoususer456]

I have an appointment this morning and after 2 days and night of pain, I’d like to ask to be examined to see if it’s doing anything or it’s just for the fun of it!

will they examine me if I asked?

Yes they should do x

@Mummapenguin20 Thank you. I’m hoping they will, not sure what the outcome will be but hoping I’m not in pain for nothing x

They can start sweeps at 37 weeks lovely x

@Mummapenguin20 i didn’t know that, I thought they waited till at least 38 if not later x

I had my first sweep with my third baby bang on 37 weeks xx

I had a sweep just before 38 weeks. It worked!

@Mummapenguin20 @trevthecat can I ask you both if you were midwife or consultant lead? Im worries even if it was possible today she wouldn’t because I’m consultant lead care.

I’m consaltant led xx

@Mummapenguin20 fingers crossed they can either do something today or I’m moving on enough on my own then. Think I will cry if I get told my cervix isn’t ready or I’m not even 1cm, all this pain for nothing x

I had my baby oct last year and they would not do an examination unless they thought I was in labour and they will only start sweeps before 39 if a consultant allows it. This could just have been my trust though! Good luck

I guess if they won't examine you the alternative is to go to your nearest maternity unit and they might there? Or see if your pains are contractions on the monitor and have a look etc. Hope you get the reassurance you need

@Cookiedough123 thank you, yes it’s confusing as every trust is different! I’ll ask if she can examine me today, I’ve been having pains coming and going since Saturday night now so hopefully she will.

@Princesspeachee thank you, I’ll bear that in mind if she won’t x

You can do it yourself? Like feeling for IUD strings 😆 I actually refused any vaginal examinations with no.3 as there's evidence it reduces oxytocin and other labour inducing hormones (which can halt labour).
Plus, the baby will only come out when you're ready there's not much point in forcing it (it will make the whole thing more painful).

@sunshineandtea i can hardly reach down there anymore 😂 there’s no chance of me doing that even if I wanted too 🤣

😅 good luck with your birth, I remember trying everything to get DD1 to come (born at 39w). Pregnancy is Looongg, try and sleep as much as you can so you're ready for your newborn!

Just to update anyone she wouldn’t check me, she wouldn’t even listen to me about my pains. She told me they were “head pains” and then commented on the size of my baby and how big it is going to be

I would call mat unit in that case xx

@Mummapenguin20 I just rang my maternity triage, who were much more helpful! They said the sharp pains sound like her head pushing down and causing pressure but the pains sound like the start of labour and my body getting ready, she was really helpful and lovely and thankfully listened! X

I’m glad someone has listened, when walking up n down stairs go sideways and if you have one bounce on a birthing ball xx