Aside from the hand/sterile thing, the possible deflation is the reason I rejected an internal (in labour) with my 3rd
I'm starting to see this as a good reason not to do it. I probably would be deflated and if I don't hear what I would so love to hear, then there really is no point. I only told my DH and sister the other day that I don't want updates on how far dialated I am during labour as the middy at our antenatal classes said it's not really a good indication of where you're at or how long you have to go. I only hope I have fast labours too and as they run in the family, it's likely. Fingers crossed!