weekly checkup

[babybugmama]

So I went for my 36/37 week appt. I really like my ob a lot. He's very hands off and asks before doing anything. We talked for a bit and he asked if I wanted to have my cervix checked to see if anything was going on. I opted to, mostly out of curiousity...I've been having so many contractions I thought for sure something was going on. Well nada. But it was very uncomfortable to have him check. So I don't think I'll be doing that again. I'll just let it happen naturally. WHat I really like is he remembered what I put on my birth plan... no unneccessary poking or prodding...and asked.

[sbm1001]

That's great he asked instead of assuming! I'm glad you had a good appt. otherwise. It's hard to hear no progress has been made, but that could change soon!

Shannon

[babybugmama]

I really would have been surprised though if much happened. I'm only 36 w 4 days.... I was curious though whether what I was feeling were only BH or something more really. He just said the cervix was soft. But man is it always that uncomfortable to check?

[njbeachgirl]

I hate the checks!!! Of course my cervix is still waaaaay back so my mw has to practically stick her whole arm up there.

I'm a sucker for information though so I have already been checked twice, even though they are optional at my MW. I think I will skip it next week (39 weeks) unless I feel the baby has dropped or something.

[evenstarlight]

What does it mean that your cervix is "back"....the midwife said mine was as well but that it's "common" for first time moms. I had to like..arch my back during the exam.

[beth_marie]

Yeah i don't get what it means when my doctor says i'm still way up there, he didn't even check me either he said he could tell from my belly exam i was still way high so he didn't have to check me??? I don't get what that means and this is my second child. Excuse my ignorance please.

[~*~MamaJava~*~]

Glad your appt went well.

Vaginal exams are NEVER mandatory, btw - some docs seem to think they are but you can always refuse that. It's tempting when it's offered though, if you think something's happening

I know I had lots of BH and even prodromal labor, especially with #2, and no pre-labor progress was made. So I'm not bothering with any checks this time because I don't want to be disappointed.

From what I understand, your cervix isn't just straight up there in pregnancy, it's facing your back. It'll come forward as it starts to efface and dilate, I think. And lower, as the baby comes down further. So when it's high and closed, long and firm, it can be hard to reach - plus there's no point fiddling around with it at that point, nothing's going on, I guess

beth_marie, I spose your doctor meant the baby's head isn't engaged yet or something, so there's likely no cervical change.