Opting for no internal examinations during birth. Opinions?

[molly197]

Good morning, I was having a chat with birth partner yesterday regarding some of my preferences for when I’m in labour. I’ve been reading a lot into Hypnobirthing and I’ve seen a lot (in books and birth stories) that mum’s declined to have any internal examinations when in labour to indicate how many cm’s dilated they are. I like the idea of this as it could be disheartening if i thought I were further along in labour but turns out I’m not and wouldn’t want it to get me out of my positive state of mind (and also they seem bloody uncomfortable to me!!) Just wondering if anybody else opted to not have examinations throughout labour, maybe one when getting to hospital then none after that?

I’ve always thought these sorts of things were mandatory but have been relieved to find out that we’re allowed a lot more choices in regards to our birth than I once thought! I’ll speak with my midwife about it, but would be nice to know if anybody else has first hand experience. Thanks in advance ladies xx

[Tiredtiredtiredxo]

Wow I wish I’d have known this was even an option? I was induced so I had around 4/5 internal examinations and I’d have to say those were the worst parts of my labour.

[molly197 in reply to Tiredtiredtiredxo]

maybe could be different with induction as I suppose they’d need to know if the methods have worked?? Not entirely sure on that part! But I know for women and spontaneous labour some have had just 1 initial examination or none at all and it appeals to me sooo much. I was chatting to my mum about it though and she didn’t like the idea which has me wondering if it would be a good idea or not. I’m only 32+5 so have a little while to think about it thankfully xx

[Tiredtiredtiredxo in reply to molly197]

Agreed!! Yes definitely something for you to consider!! Good luck with everything hope it all goes smoothly for ya x

[cmbxm]

A midwife or doctor cannot force you to be examined you are well within your rights to say no, there are other ways to tell how far along in labour you are such as what sounds you’re making and how close your contractions are, of course examining is the simplest and most definite way, but you absolutely do not need to consent to vaginal exams, if this is your final decision, make sure it’s in your birth plan and your midwife knows upon arrival to the hospital, good luck ☺️ xx

[molly197 in reply to cmbxm]

Thank you! I’ve got a midwife appointment coming up so I’ll speak to her about it xx

[Afrohair]

Thing is what if your baby is not positioned correctly you gunna decline then ?I think it’s kinda silly cause it’s to guide you through your pregnancy if you need emergency c section so forth and to see how it’s progressing it could be life saving.and your partner is all for it??

[molly197]

If myself or baby were at risk then obviously I’d let them do whatever’s necessary. My query is mainly on the basis of examinations to see how dilated I am etc. And I don’t think examinations are completely necessary as there are many other ways to indicate how much progress I’m making in labour. Birth partner is unsure hence why I’m asking for other opinions on here if anybody else had similar preferences in their labour.

[Claireeeeeeeeeeeee]

I would say that number of cm is actually way less accurate than midwives make out. It can be very disheartening to be told your only 3cm say but that tells you nothing about how long until you are fully dilated. I went from a long term of labour at home and by cm made little progress but then my active labour was only 4 hours total. If I had listened to the number of cm then I would have had my baby at home. I did hypnobirthing and I would say it helped a lot and I would definitely say if you dont want an internal exam dont have one. It doesn't tell you very much anyway.

[molly197 in reply to Claireeeeeeeeeeeee]

That was my thought exactly, I don’t want to be discouraged by thinking I’m further along than what I am and to get in my head and potentially hinder my progress. Also they’re bloody uncomfortable! I think that alone could get me out of my positive mindset. At the time I might not be bothered by it anyway but I’m just trying to think of things that could help me have a better labour and start preparing myself x

[QT314]

Hi!

I did ask for this in my birth plan. Well, I wouldn't say I declined vaginal examinations but I mentioned I didn't want to have these for the sake of knowing the centimetres I had dilated but only when they were necessary to ensure the safety of my baby and/or I. I then discussed it on one of my mw appointments and they said that if I gave birth in the mw led suite that was already part of their policies.

I ended up giving birth in the midwife led suite as I had wished for and they only checked when necessary (once to check if I was dilated enough to be admitted and once when I said I had the urge to push).

I also asked if it was possible that when they did the necessary examinations that they didn't tell me the centimetres I had dilated unless I needed to know or I asked and they were also ok with that.

I wish you a beautiful birth xx

[roxannacar]

Nobody can do an internal without consent as that would be assault. However... Checking dilation and the rate of it ... Let's say you're in labour for X hours and not dilating could be an indication that things aren't progressing as they should. It's actually something they chart in your notes. I disagree re noises made ... People make little noise some make more. Last baby midwife thought from the noises I was making/ and looking fairly comfortable she was going to send me home. Yet I I was several cms dilated and baby came within less about 30mins.

Ultimately it's up to you, but I wouldn't forgive myself if something happened to baby and potentially something that could have been picked up.

[Afrohair in reply to roxannacar]

Agree in Africa your not even allowed to make noises when giving birth