OB appointment at 40wks.....wants to give VE? Should I?

[Tobily]

VE's before labour don't tell you anything much about when labour is going start.

What they do often end up achieving is giving said medical person some ammunition to convince you that because you're not dilated at 40 weeks you need their help to get your baby to come out.

If you don't want to have it - just say "no thanks" Practice saying it in a nice confident voice so they know you mean it

[BellyBelly]

It wont prove anything. It wont give you an idea of anything either. Your cervix could be hard and closed and tomorrow it could be soft and slightly open... who knows. Trust that your cervix knows what its doing and its at exactly the right position, dilation, and feel as to what it should be. Because it is.

[BellyBelly]

Vaginal Exams - Are They Really Necessary? By Brenda Manning MIPP

[visitor1]

I had one done at 40+1 this time round only because i was offered a S&S and id been having alot of pre labour....with the girls i never had any VE's til labour started

[Shanti]

Thank you everyone for your posts. Much appreciated. I think it just confirms to me again that I don't need to get a VE until I'm at least either 7 days overdue OR in labour. Don't even want an S&S until I'm 7 days overdue.....

I will get ready to say 'oh thanks but no thanks don't feel it's needed at this stage'

Kelly -thanku for the link i'll check it out now.

[Oorki Galoorki]

Renstar you dont need them in labour either... there are other ways to know how your going along...often when they tell you in labour a pg women does the labour math.... 8 hrs to 4cms gee im going to be doing this for another12 hours....aauuurrrggghhh

which isnt how it works at all...

also be wary that your ob might try to scare you in to having a VE at 40 weeks...... BE STRONG

[Shanti]

Thanks girls, i'll be strong!! And DouDou, I'm also hesitant during labour to want to have one.... except when I feel like I may need to push perhaps then i'll let them check to see i'm at 10.