hi guys...

today i had my appointment.. i am now in 38th week running.. and my doctor did an examination with his hands on my tummy only.. he just felt the baby and said all is going fine.. and baby as we know is little smal but normal range..

i am little worried as by now i have read that doctors start doing internal examination.. but my doctor is not doing that.. when asked.. the doctor said he wil not do any till i am in labour.. so i am quite confused.. why? as with hands can you tell if the baby has engaged?

archie.. can you shed some light on this.. is this okay practice by doctors?

i am just worried as i dont know how much more to go.. and how far my baby has gone down.. apart from the pains i get .. no other evidence..

can someone advise...

love
supriya Di replied. Hi,

I had my 37th week check up today and my midwife told me she will not do an internal check up until I am in labour but by feeling the tummy she could tell that the baby is head down and fixed into the cervix. That means that they can tell if the baby has engaged by just feeling the belly from outside. As far as dilating goes, she said it doesn't make a difference because the baby will not be born until labour starts and one can start dilating almost 3 weeks early. Hope this helps. supriya replied. hi deepa and hana!

thanks you soo much for your advsie and experiences.. yes i dont know why my doctor is not doign any internal and when i asked about it... he goes there is no need for it now... and told me dont worry too much..

but i think i will ask him again on my next appointment.. and see what he says..

thanks guys..

love
supriya Deepa replied. Supriya,

This is Deepa, I am also in my 38th week, my due date is Feb 5th.
My doctor starting doing the internal exams in 37th week, I had 2 internal exams, and will probably have 1 more in 39th week. If I do not deliver by EDD, I will schedule a date for induction.
Although the internal exams sounds reassuring to pregnant women, but it seems every doctor has different beliefs and practices.
Yes, the doctor can tell you if you are dilated by an internal, but that doesn't say much. You could be dilated about a cm or so, and yet deliver after your due date. Other than knowing cervix's dilation and effacement, it doesn't have any other medical benefits.
Therefore I would not worry too much if there aren't any internals, but i would defi call the doctor and ask for reasons, and also mention that for my own peace of mind, I would prefer an internal in next appointment.
Your baby will come out when he/she is ready, you should eat and rest well, and not worry too much. Do request an internal from the doctor in your next appointment.

Best wishes to you…Deepa
Hana replied. Normally, the doctor always does an internal check in the last 2-3 weeks, to see if the baby has engaged and if your cervix has started to soften. During labour he will check you several times. By checking the stomach the doctor can only tell if your baby is head down, but that doesn't necessarily mean it has engaged. I suggest you call your doctor and clarify as to why he is not doing an internal. All the best!