I hate it! That’s why I’ve said no internal exams lol!
I actually refused them until this point but the pressure was so intense I was worried I might have been dilated. Oh im glad I’m not being a wimp then, it hurt so bad 🫠
I said no to internal exams because I can't take that kind of pain, I tense up and end up having a panic attack, so I've tried explaining this to the midwife but we'll have to see once I go into labour whether they actually take me seriously
They have to respect your decision. Tbf the doctor did ask me if I was comfortable having it done first, rather than telling me she was going to do it etc which I appreciated but never again
Fluid check is usually just a swab to see if your water is leaking. They didn’t need to use a speculum or do a cervix check… that’s optional. How far along are you?
@Kirsty 35 weeks, I think it’s because I had pressure as well and baby is engaged all of a sudden. They did a speculum and 3 swabs. Waters, infection and something else that I can’t remember 🤔
Oh my gosh that sounds awful! No lubricant. Surely that is absolutely horrendous 😩 can you refuse this, and wait to see if labour follows? Or do you need to know if waters have gone, to prevent infection?
It is extremely uncomfortable! I had to have the same done recently. Vaginal examinations have always been very painful for me anyway, but the no lubrication thing made it so much worse! 😫 I swear I could have nightmares about speculums.
@Amy you can reuse yes, but I’m having a section and I wanted to know if I was in early Labour and they did want to check on infection as well yes. I’ve had 9 rounds of fertility treatment, I am used to an internal but crikey this was on another level 😩
It is very uncomfortable. I’ve had 3 now . The things we go though xx