1. How many exams did you have during pregnancy & labour?

One during pregnancy (actually it was during pre-labour) and only done because I'd complained of pains and ob wanted to see what was what. So don't know if that's classified as pregnancy or labour! Was 1-2cms. Had another one while in labour because I requested an epidural and he wanted to see how far along I was.

2. How did you feel about them in pregnancy & labour?

Fine. I trust my ob - now. Prior to him, I'd always been extremely nervous about exams after an excruciating pap test (by a female doctor) and quite suspicious of any doctor after various atrocious experiences in our family. I told him this the first time I went to see him and we agreed he would give me a pap test - kind of to show me that he knew what he was doing and it wouldn't hurt. All good after that.

3. Did your carer explain the procedure to you and why they were doing it?

Yes.

4. Did you feel that your carer did too many or more than you would have liked? Did you feel they were justified?

No - I thought I would be examined more. They were absolutely justified IMO. If he'd wanted to do more in labour I would have been fine with that because I like to know what's what.

5. Any other thoughts/comments?

I think there will be a wide variation and no right or wrong 'number'. Also the feelings of the woman obviously have to be taken into account. Given my past experiences with doctors I thought I would be extremely anti being examined but the opposite turned out to be the case - they didn't phase me in the slightest and I wouldn't have minded more because, as I said, I like to know what's happening. However, I think a HUGE factor in this is having trust in your doctor. I trust my particular ob. I don't know if I would have trusted anyone else (including midwives).
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