Only consent to one if *you* think the information would be useful to *you*. "Favourable"? Why does the OB want to know that unless s/he's planning an induction? When you're in labour, your cervix is by definition "favourable".

There is no need for a pelvic exam barring complications. It will not give useful clinical information as a cervix can go from high, hard and unripe to low, soft and ripe in a matter of hours. And then it can stay that way for weeks without any further progress.

If you are getting fed up and you need some encouragement, then that's a different matter - also, if you want a stretch and sweep at term to hurry things along, again, there's a reason for that.

But unnecessary PEs raise the risk of rupture of membranes before you *are* ready, and introducing infection. If you don't want one, just say no.

I refuse them during labour unless I request them. I have only had them during labour twice in five deliveries.