Checking for dilating?

Question

I was wondering what week they start checking to see if you are dilated yet? The reason I am asking is because when I go in on Tuesday for my next appointment I actually wanted to request it. It's only because I am almost 21 weeks the same time I gave birth to my daughter last June. I didn't even know I was dilating that night, I just all of a sudden had a feeling that something wasn't right and had my fiance' take me to the hospital. By the time I got there I was already 4cms dilated. So I guess I'm just asking if it's okay if I ask to be checked? Also can you request a cervical circlauge (sp?) or does your doctor have to actually feel there is a reason for it? I guess I'm just worried, I'm 19 weeks and I don't have my next ultrasound until a week from Tuesday after my appointment, so I guess it's just my nerves getting the best of me.. Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

My dr. wouldn't check for anything until I was 35 wks because she said checking to dialation could start contractions and stuff.  Of course, some doctors are more cautious than others.  Good luck in keeping that baby inside for a few more months!

Answer 2

Not until 35/36 weeks do they start checking.  But talk to your doctor.  Is this the same doctor you had with your daughter?  If so he/she should know what happened and if you ask to be checked, your doctor should understand.  The circlauge has to be ordered by your doctor if he/she feels you need it.  But talk to your doctor about your concerns when you see him/her.  

Answer 3

Voice your concerns to the doctor and see what he/she says. I'm sure she knows your history but it never hurts to remind her.

Answer 4

Did they determine that you had an incompetent cervix during your last pregnancy?  The reason I am asking is because I have lost two children because of that, one at 19 weeks and one at 23 weeks with a vaginal cerclage in place.  If you do have IC then I would demand a cerclage.  Also, it needs to be placed immediately since you are already 19 weeks.  At this point it would be considered a rescue cerclage rather than a preventative cerclage if you were starting to dialate.  In a normal pregnancy they don't test for dialation this early, but if you have IC then they should be checking for it, and in all honestly they should have started checking for it the minute you hit your second trimester!  Good luck!

Answer 5

Yes, you ask for it.  Share all of these worries with your doctor.  S/he'll put your mind at ease, I'm sure.

Good luck to you!

Answer 6

My question is how are you 19weeks and due in September when iam 32weeks and due in October after you.

Answer 7

Yes, you can have your cervix checked - and no, it shouldn't start contractions.  

You are simply just feeling the opening.  

If it started contractions, then being intimate with your husband would start contractions.  

You can have you cervix checked anytime, any day, pregnant or not.  You can even check yourself, but most women have never been told they can know this about their own body.

Congrats with this new little one!

Answer 8

They usually don't check you until around 36 weeks. But hey don't worry and good luck!