checking for dilation
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Category: Pregnant
Forum Name: Pregnancy
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URL: https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=22137
Printed Date: 22 August 2025 at 11:55pm
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Topic: checking for dilation
Posted By: nickistar
Subject: checking for dilation
Date Posted: 01 November 2008 at 10:52pm
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hey, just wondering in NZ when is the typical time that you would get checked for dilation/ have an "internal"?(without asking for one) i am 35 weeks and wondering when to expect it!
*also do we get a strep B swab check here? ive read this on international websites but havent heard people talking of this in NZ thank you! 
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Replies:
Posted By: Nefertiti
Date Posted: 01 November 2008 at 11:02pm
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Hi nickistar...my last baby was nearly 9 years ago lol, so don't know if things have changed...but from memory I can't say I was 'checked' for dilation. However, I think I remember my midwife saying she would check how soft my cervic was, and I think that was about 2 weeks before I was due... This would probably vary from each person.
In regards to strep B...I was checked at about 8 weeks because I had thrush and a swab was done, showing I was positive. As you probably know this is something that can show up one week but be gone the next. But once shown positive, I will be treated as such throughout, with antibiotics being given at the birth or as soon as waters break. I think it is 'normally' tested at 36 weeks from what I have been told....so I'd say next week for you. Hope this helps a little ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: nickistar
Date Posted: 01 November 2008 at 11:06pm
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thnk you! gives me an idea..... im a first timer and yet to have any checks etc and feeling a bit cautious about them but know they have to be done, knowing around next week gives me a little time to prepare lol
thanks for your reply! |
Posted By: Nefertiti
Date Posted: 01 November 2008 at 11:21pm
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No problem
Its a simple test so nothing to worry about. ------------- http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: blondy
Date Posted: 02 November 2008 at 6:45am
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I never got checked for dilation until I was actually in labour, and never got a strep B swab. I think alot comes down to your midwife or OB, and for the strep B if you have any predisposing factors? Most midwives tend to be on the less intervention side, so don't be surprised if you don't have either of them! -------------  
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Posted By: kriss
Date Posted: 02 November 2008 at 6:55am
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I asked this at my last MW visit and apparently due to discomfort they tend not to do one until you are in labour, but may vary MW to MW.. GL with your pg ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
http://lilypie.com"> 
 Little Angel, April 10
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Posted By: kriss
Date Posted: 02 November 2008 at 6:55am
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Previous post for internal, not sure about strep B sorry ------------- http://lilypie.com">
http://lilypie.com">
Little Angel, April 10
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Posted By: Nefertiti
Date Posted: 02 November 2008 at 7:59am
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The strep B swap should be standard now. I have also read that it is supposed to be done around 36-38 weeks in nz literature. It never used to be standard practice but should be now. It is a common flora in women, but if found positive during pregnancy, it can be passed to baby during labour causing a range of problems from breathing difficultes, pheumonia, etc.
And no, I did not have any predisposing factors. I had it tested early because a swab was already going up there! lol However, a comment about it varying between each medical person......I was told by my doctor who confirmed my pregnancy that I'd be routinely tested around 36 weeks....then first visit with mw said the same. And also with my visit with the antenatal/diabetic team at the hospital said the same...they said regardless of diabetes it is checked now. Anyway....this is the info I had been given. Being told my 3 different medial professionals that this is a routine check now, regardless of any other factors. ------------- http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: blondy
Date Posted: 02 November 2008 at 8:27am
that's interesting to hear nefertiti. i didn't have the diabetes test either (although we did discuss that one). From memory also (although I could be wrong), I don't think any of the July 08 mums had a strep B swab either!  -------------
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Posted By: BerryBliss
Date Posted: 02 November 2008 at 10:37am
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hmm that really interesting about the strep b swab' i was lead to believe that it was an essential and routine test that was carried out with all pregs at 36 or so weeks. I hav had them with all my kids (3) and my first was 9 yrs ago with a mw ( now with a dr) i've already been told when i will hav the test with this preg. I think that even if i wasn't offered this test i would be asking for it to be done as strp b in babies is really dangerous and so preventable. thats just my opinion anyway. ------------- http://lilypie.com" rel="nofollow">  DD 1999 DS 2003 DS 2006 DD 2009 |
Posted By: mummy_becks
Date Posted: 02 November 2008 at 10:50am
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I was swabbed for strep B at my first visit with my MW and regularly through out my pregnancies as I did have it and we needed to make sure if it was staying or going. Just ask at your next visit that you want it - you can do it yourself. As for dilation, wasn't done till I was in hosptial with my first (was in for pre eclampsia) and checked everyday (ouch). My second I was checked the first time at 28 weeks as there was a fear I was going into preterm labour. Then again at 38 weeks and then again once I was in labour. ------------- I was a puree feeder, forward facing, cot sleeping, pram pushing kind of Mum... and my kids survived! |
Posted By: kebakat
Date Posted: 02 November 2008 at 11:49am
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I did the strep b swab myself.
As for checking my cervix. That wasn't done until I was in established labour and was 5cm dilated then.. no checks leading up to labour |
Posted By: Chickoin
Date Posted: 02 November 2008 at 12:19pm
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I did the Strep B myself too, somewhere during the 30-37 weeks period, I totally can't remember when!
Haven't had any internals yet and I'm 41wks. I think I am having one tomorrow when we see specialist though. My mw doesn't like to interfere at all. She said she would usually offer a stretch and sweep at this late stage but since my bubba's STILL not engaged there is no point. -------------   
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Posted By: Rachael21
Date Posted: 02 November 2008 at 12:36pm
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The thing with strep b is you can test negative for it at 36 weeks and then have it when you are in labour so thats why not everyone has it.
I only got an internal beofre labour to have a stretch and sweep. |
Posted By: cuppatea
Date Posted: 02 November 2008 at 1:21pm
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I didn't have any internals until I was at the hospital and even then the mw waited cos the OBS wanted to see me and she said no point everyone poking around down there.
I didn't have the streb b test and not having it this time. Last time I knew nothing about it till people were talking about it post birth so this time I asked (different mw this time) and she said that she also doesn't test for it because of the variation in results from week to week and believes that babies should just be monitored for signs of it regardless. I have heard that you can swab yourself though, I recently did vaginal swab myself to check for infections because of having heaps of braxton hicks and they are easy to do. With the GD test I also didn't have that last time but did this time. The lady at medlab said that it is now a routine test for all pregnant women whereas before it was only whoever got sent by there mw for it. ------------- 
 
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Posted By: LeahandJoel
Date Posted: 02 November 2008 at 1:57pm
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I had an internal 10 days before joel was born but only cause I was admitted to hosp with high Bp and mild contractions. Then had them again in labour. Strep B I asked about it first time around and was told about 36 weeks then went into labour and had a cs before that could be done, to be honest completely forgot second time around but mw would have done one if I had asked. Might pay to ask for one with your mw, not just assume you are getting it done. On a sad note though, a friend of my sister lost her second baby at 8 days, and it was later confirmed that it was strep B, didn't show with number one as he was prem and given antibiotics which would have killed the bugs. She has gone on to have another and was treated in labour and baby after, and the baby was the biggest healthiest baby she had. -------------  
 
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Posted By: Nefertiti
Date Posted: 02 November 2008 at 2:06pm
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I think its a shame that some women have a blaza (sp) view just because a midwife says it doesn't matter because it comes and goes....wouldn't you rather have the simple nonenvasive test just to check? Yes, it may show negative, but then again it could be positive. But its definately worth checking IMO. And as Lisa says, it is dangerous and can kill babies.
As for diabetes, it is also routine to check at around 22-24 weeks. I was tested early due to family history. If any of you are in doubt about what tests you should be having, just contack the Midwife Council. I have discussed this with a friend of mine who is a midwife and she says that ALL women should be getting checked for strep B and for diabetes. ------------- http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: xox6Girls1Boyxox
Date Posted: 02 November 2008 at 2:14pm
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Hi
RE: strep B I think it does come down to the MW & or OB, I was found positive with strep B with DD2 in early pregnancy and the same later in pregnancy so I was given antibiotics via IV line, and with DD1 because I was positive when preggers with DD2 they didnt bother testing me and just gave me thru IV when I was in labour with this pregnancy the same is gonna happen, I havent been tested for it but Im gonna have the antibiotics anyway...
Checking for dilation: I ask for internals around the 38 wks mark just to check if my cervix is ripening and effaceing not that it does much for me even if I am ripening coz I still go over due. Im one of those people that still wont go into labour even though Im 5-6cm dialated (thanks to having nice strong braxton hicks contractions), I still have to get a kick start eg: Stretch & sweep. Once my labour does establish then bobs your uncle and Im over and done with in a couple of hours LOL... Pop over and join us in the Dec 08 board I think your EDD is around the 1st week of Dec? ------------- http://www.bump-and-beyond.com/"> 
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Posted By: Nefertiti
Date Posted: 02 November 2008 at 2:30pm
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Thats right about not being tested for subsequent pregnancies Mumof72B - because once you have been tested as positive, you are treated that way for the rest of the pregnancy and also further pregnancies. ------------- http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: xox6Girls1Boyxox
Date Posted: 02 November 2008 at 3:31pm
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Nefertiti, before I had DD2 i'd had 4 daughters proir to her and I was never tested for strep B so I was really shocked when I found out about Strep B I'd had'nt even heard of it until I had DD2 in 2006. I was actually quite annoyed. My other children are 18, 17, 13 & 8 so im not sure if the test even existed way back then but I thank god none of those 4 contracted it, It really is a scary thing to think about..I agree that if your a first time mum that it should be a compulsory test. I never really knew how life threatning StrepB is either... ------------- http://www.bump-and-beyond.com/">
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Posted By: Nefertiti
Date Posted: 02 November 2008 at 4:30pm
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Mumof72B - I also have older children who are 16, 14 and 8 and I don't ever remember having a strepb check with them either. So I am guessing it is fairly new.
I do recon that EVERYONE should be insisting on this test if their midwives are saying there is no need. ------------- http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: busymum
Date Posted: 02 November 2008 at 7:23pm
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GD - is done for everyone in the 3rd trimester
Strep B - usually around 34-36 weeks, this is to give them enough time to get it back from the lab before you go into labour, theoretically of course! You do the swab test yourself, it's very easy. I tested positive for Strep B with my #3 baby and had ABs when in labour (my waters were trickling); I still had strep B at the birth but baby was not affected at all. (PS being a female predisposes you to strep B.) Dilation - with your first baby you shouldn't dilate until you are in labour. With subsequent, any dilation would be minor anyway. It is certainly not routine to have an internal to check for dilation until you are in labour; then fairly common but still not always necessary. Depends how long your labour is going on for - if it's going on for ages, you'll be glad for one to find out where you're up to!! I have had stretch and sweeps in the couple of days before I was due, due to waters leaking or whatever. The option was over to me though. ------------- |
Posted By: cuppatea
Date Posted: 03 November 2008 at 1:37pm
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With the streb b though what happens if you don't have it at 36 weeks, then you don't have the antibiotics and nobody bothers to keep an eye on things. My mw just believes that instead of testing for something that could show up as neg when a few weeks later you are pos that all babies should be monitored for signs of it.
With Spencer I had the antibiotics that they give for streb b but they were because my waters had broken at 34 weeks, had I have laboured (he was breech so I had c/s) then I would have had iv antibiotics as well. I'm seeing an obs in a few weeks so will ask them about the streb b as well. -------------
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Posted By: Shezamumof3
Date Posted: 03 November 2008 at 2:42pm
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My MW said it was my choice to have the Strep B thingy She gave me info on it and stuff, I declined it, but its up to you.
I had my first internal done when I was 1 week over due and had a stretch and sweep, I was tightly closed, not dilated at all! Then my next internal was when I was in labour to check for dilation. I had many over the course of the 40 odd hours I was in labour as they had to keep a close eye on how I was dilating(cos I wasnt really). I had antibiotics aswell in labour as my waters had been broken for over 12 hours and I wasnt progressing. ------------- |
Posted By: jessm
Date Posted: 03 November 2008 at 5:10pm
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I had my baby 2 wks ago and I am pretty sure I wasn't tested for strep B! In fact, wasn't aware that I should have been... so certainly not a routine thing everywhere. Was tested for diabetes though.
Also, the only internal I had was when I went in once in labour. Worst thing about it was having to sit still during a contraction, as thats when mw said its best to do it (up till that point I had been walking furiously during them - it was my way of coping!). ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: SJD
Date Posted: 04 November 2008 at 12:50pm
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I didn't have an internal until the day before Madam was born. I had a usual appointment that day and told my midwife that I thought I was starting labour so she said lets do a swab now. She didn't check for dilation that I know of, but maybe she did.
This time around (I'm 33 weeks now) I had an urine test at 28 weeks and midwife told me I had step B so she gave me some antibiotics for it then. She did say that she will still give me a jab for it once labour starts as it may have come back by then. |
Posted By: Nefertiti
Date Posted: 04 November 2008 at 4:48pm
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That conflicts any info I have been given SJD...from both my own midwife, and a friend of mine who's a midwife, and also the doctors at the hospital.
I've been told that it is detected via a swab, not urine....and its definately NOT treated during pregnancy unless you have a urine infection. Or once waters break or labour starts whichever is first...and its not a jab, the antibiotics are given via an IV. ------------- http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: xox6Girls1Boyxox
Date Posted: 04 November 2008 at 5:39pm
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When I was tested mine was done thru swabs also & the antibiotics were administered thru IV line in my hand once My labuors started...
Might be different in different parts of NZ???? ------------- http://www.bump-and-beyond.com/">
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Posted By: mummy_becks
Date Posted: 04 November 2008 at 10:06pm
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I would say you had a UTI not strep B, as it is picked up as said above with a swab, not a urine test. ------------- I was a puree feeder, forward facing, cot sleeping, pram pushing kind of Mum... and my kids survived! |
SJD wrote:Posted By: SJD
Date Posted: 07 November 2008 at 5:36pm
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Confirmed with my midwife y'day that I did have strep b in my urine which can be treated while pregnant with antibiotics.
Of course it doesn't mean it is in my vagina but with the female body designed the way it is, it is quite likely present there as well. So to be safe she is going to treat me for strep b when I go into labour. |
Posted By: peanut butter
Date Posted: 07 November 2008 at 8:11pm
| how do you test yourself? |
Posted By: Shezamumof3
Date Posted: 08 November 2008 at 8:46am
From what Ive read you just just take a swap yourself by using something like cotton bud thingy and run it around down there and then they test it to see if you have step b ------------- |
Posted By: cuppatea
Date Posted: 08 November 2008 at 8:56am
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If it is the same as the swab I just did then basically it is a long cotton bud. mw said to do once out of the shower and then basically poke it up as high as poss and try not to touch anything else with it (she said not to poke it up my bum....lol). Then put it in the special container and give to medlab. Was really easy to do. -------------
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Posted By: Nefertiti
Date Posted: 08 November 2008 at 4:39pm
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Exactly what cuppatea said.....although I was quite shocked when I was told to do it myself. In the past whenever I have needed a swab done the doctor, nurse, midwife has done it. I personally think that a pregnant women should not be poking those long things up her woohoo.
SJD - I am still VERY surprised by your midwifes response. Strep B is not tested via urine, it is by swab. However, I am not a professional/midwife, but have searched the topic since being found positive, and not once have I seen it being tested via urine. I also queried this once before with my midwife, and also a friend whos a midwife, and both said no, its definately a swab. But like I said, I'm not medical person....I guess you go along with what your comfortable with. At least you know you tested positive and a safety plan is now in place for when you go into labour. Be aware that you need the antibiotics in other situations too, like if your waters break you need it immediately, not just when labour starts. You would have been given an information booklet about Strep B when you tested positive so it will all be in there. ------------- http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: HippyMama
Date Posted: 08 November 2008 at 8:26pm
Sorry to jump in at random here but I have a random question - in regards to the above quote, do you also mean this for when someone has already tested pos for Strep B and then waters break... or do you mean in general? Re: administration of antibiotics. ------------- Mama to two earth walkers & two angels. Remember, you are not managing an inconvenience; You are raising a human being. ~ Kittie Franz Next Slingbabies! Meet - Friday 4th May !! |
Posted By: xox6Girls1Boyxox
Date Posted: 08 November 2008 at 9:08pm
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For anyone who's been tested positive then yes When your waters break your meant to have the anibiotics as soon as possible coz then bubs is vulnerable to catching anything that maybe hanging out up there. ------------- http://www.bump-and-beyond.com/">
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Posted By: Nefertiti
Date Posted: 08 November 2008 at 11:58pm
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Hey Pearls, Mumof72B has answered it perfectly only women who have tested postive during pregnancy will be administered the antibiotics when waters break. ------------- http://lilypie.com">
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