I had five internals during my pregnancy as I went into labour at 33 weeks then another four times. I didn't find them invasive or painful. I also had one during labour at 39 weeks. I didn't find them invasive or painful. They were all performed by training doctors who were very understanding. I was told by a midwife that they shouldn't be performed as they can pass on bacterial infections which is what caused me to go into labour at 33 weeks. I had an irretable uterus so any infection caused me to have contractions.