cervical checks every 2 weeks

it's me again...
thought i'd ask another question since i have such a great resource group here. :icon_biggrin:
also at my first appt yesterday, my doc said that she'll start doing cervical checks every 2 weeks from 22 weeks on.
is this done by a manual exam with the fingers, or is it done by a vag u/s, or can they tell by abd u/s?
just not looking forward to a vag u/s every 2 weeks if that's the case.

amy

 

I get mine check every 2 weeks… the first 2 weeks was just manually by my ob (the good old finger) now by vaginal u/s done by my Peri…
HTH

 

This has me very worried. This seems to be very unnecessary. Are you aware that the more often something enters the vagina to more likely an infection is to occur?

 

I was told that I would be getting mine checked every appt from now on, and since my ob doesn't do u/s, I assume it's with the good old gloved hand. As for infection, I suppose there is a higher risk, but since I have not been banned from .....ahem.... relations with DH, I assume I'm still safe.

 

I had an incompetent cervix with the twins and which was checked at each visit through vaginal u/s. If there is an issue that your dr is concerned about that is the most accurate measure. If not, the abd u/s should be good enough. Why does he/she want it measured every 2 weeks? If there aren't any issues it seems like too often.

 

My OB checks manually every 2 weeks. I don't think there is that much risk for infection since you can still have sex. There is a higher risk of infection in having sex, because that is not sterile, whereas a gloved hand is sterile.

My OB checks, and I am glad he checks, because he wants to make sure there are no changes to my cervix, and I'm not dilating. I think it is much better to be safe then sorry.

 

I have only had mine checked twice... once at 9 weeks and then again at 30 weeks... and have not had it checked since then

 

QUOTE(Appymomma @ Dec 14 2007, 09:23 AM) [snapback]533912[/snapback]
This has me very worried. This seems to be very unnecessary. Are you aware that the more often something enters the vagina to more likely an infection is to occur?


yes both my physician and i are aware that i am at an increased risk of infection; however, as long as the bag of water is intact, it acts as a barrier to prevent infection from entering the uterus. the mucus plug also assists in this duty. thanks for your concern.

 

Mine was going to check every 3 weeks, if no issues were found. They measured via T/V U/S starting at 16 weeks.

Starting at 22 weeks is late, they should do a measurement long before that to make sure your cervix is not shortening.

I did have issues found and was measured every 1-2 weeks from 16-24 weeks, once at 28 weeks, then they started doing manual exams weekly with sterile gloves. I never developed an infection.

 

My Dr looks at my cervix weekly with abd u/s and this is how my peri does it too. I was checked internally only when my contractions were coming hard and fast and wouldn't stop when I was hospitalized.

 

I was checked by hand at 16 weeks because I asked. At 19 weeks t/v u/s showed only 1 cm with funneling, but manually it still sometimes felt normal. Now, there is only enough so they can still say I'm not dilated. I would be checked earlier if you can. We had no reason to think I would have any problem.

 

I've never had mine checked! They just don't do it at all here unless you've had some kind of problem or they suspect labour.

 

I had my first cervical check at 38 weeks. I was induced the next day and had my two the following day.

 

QUOTE(Appymomma @ Dec 14 2007, 10:23 AM) [snapback]533912[/snapback]
This has me very worried. This seems to be very unnecessary. Are you aware that the more often something enters the vagina to more likely an infection is to occur?

I am aware but I had PTL with my son, and I’ve already been to L&D due to contractions… we currently have an appointment for mon to talk cerclage...

 

It suprised me that they only check with u/s right now. It is definately different than with a singleton pg. I was curious when they may start doing a manual exam. I guess now I know...

 

QUOTE(TamLenox @ Dec 14 2007, 04:00 PM) [snapback]534461[/snapback]
It suprised me that they only check with u/s right now. It is definately different than with a singleton pg. I was curious when they may start doing a manual exam. I guess now I know...


My dr. did a manual check at my 8 week check, then again at 18 weeks only because I was having concerns. He said otherwise he starts checking with twins every two weeks at 22 weeks. My dr. doesn't have a u/s in his office so I don't know if that is why he checks manually, but it seems like a reliable way to feel for dilation.

 

they only manually check me when i go to L & D for contractions. they do check me at peri with reg u/s as long as i have a full bladder. i was checked translabia (which is where they put it just on the outside next to the labia and can see it all without going inside, transvagina.) i think it just depends on the dr

 

They were checking my by u/s every 4 weeks, but this time they didn't, which I thought was weird. I'm sure they will check next week though. (If I don't go into labor first!)

 

I was on bedrest for shortening cervix and ptl at 27wks and I was having my cervix checked weekly by vaginal u/s, it was not until about 34wks that I was being checked by an internal (except for at 30wks when I got steroid shots, they checked me twice while I was in hospital for 2 days), but I had stopped going to u/s by that point because she wasnt going to stop my labor after 34wks. And I was requesting a 'cervix check' if she didnt already do it because I so badly wanted those babies out.

 

my ob started checking (manually) at about 25 wks. I would have a transvaginal u/s every 2 wks and then a digital check so basically a digital check monthly. Although when I was checked at 28 1/2 wks and they discovered I was 1 cm and 30% effaced they hospitalized me for 1 day and checked my cervix manually 2 more times. Sounds like every dr. is a little different and all depending on each individual circcumstance. I was very worried he was going to stir things up by sticking his finger in there. Good luck!

 

QUOTE(foppa2102 @ Dec 14 2007, 12:03 PM) [snapback]534061[/snapback]
yes both my physician and i are aware that i am at an increased risk of infection; however, as long as the bag of water is intact, it acts as a barrier to prevent infection from entering the uterus. the mucus plug also assists in this duty. thanks for your concern.



The "bag of waters" does not protect from infections entering the uterus. As the Uterus contains the bag of waters....the Mucus plug does as long as it is intact...but the more you poke around up there, the more apt you are to get an infection!