Yes, I too was extremely mortified at the idea of fifteen dozen people looking at my hoo-ha whilst in labour and *hides* I am another that avoids pap smears too. The very first time I arrived at the hospital I also had a terrible case of thrush as well, so not only was the examination to check my waters had completely ruptured and to see if I was dilating; but I was so humiliated about the thrush as well.

I actually found that once I had my epidural in, I really didn't care at all. I couldn't feel anyone poking around down there and I too just avoided eye contact. Believe it or not, just closing your eyes and focussing on what you have to do really works for removing you emotionally/mentally from the fact that you have a hand shoved up your bits.

When you're pushing it's probably the longest time anyone who be staring at your bits; and honestly you're just so focussed on pushing you don't have time to think 'oh yay, my husband and sister are seeing bits of me I never thought they would!'.

*LOL* After having Maddy and she was feeding I was literally lying there with my legs splayed to the world in the stirrups with a trainee doctor & supervisor staring at my bits and discussing out loud how best to repair the damage.

Oh, and I too pooed. I think I ended up being more embarassed about that then my girlie bits getting chilled. I couldn't see it, TMI coming...but I could smell it and my midwive just wiped it up and said it was a good sign because it's what happened right before transition and being full dilated.