Pelvic exams during first OB visit

Hi all, I have my first OB visit coming up soon and am a bag of nerves. I was told that this visit usually includes a full physical exam and might include a Pap smear. I had one last year and had normal results so I plan to refuse the Pap test. However, I’m not sure about the pelvic exam. I remember it had been quite painful. Have any of you had it as part of the first OB visit? Do you know if there is anything useful that they can tell from it?

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I just had it done and it wasn't painful at all. Felt like a normal pap and the pelvic exam was just some swabbing and a quick physical check to make sure I had no pain. I think if you're having pelvic pain your OB needs to know.

They do the pelvic exam to make sure your cervix is where it supposed to be so that you can carry a healthy pregnancy and if it’s not, they can keep a watch on it to try to prevent anything from happening during the pregnancy.

They didn't make me do a pap at mine because I just had one in the last couple of years too, they said I could do it at my 6 week pp check up. They'll want to do some swabs to test for some routine things and then check that everything is looking normal with your vaginal canal and cervix, and then check your uterus which is done by feeling your lower abdomen from the outside while pushing you cervix slightly from the inside. For me it depends who does the pelvic exam but generally they're more uncomfortable than painful, but everyone's tolerance and sensitivity levels are different

I feel like I’m out of the norm but my OB never did a pelvic exam. The only time I needed to undress was for a quick strep b swab a few weeks before my due date and once I was at the hospital to deliver 🤷‍♀️

Thanks all for the info! I think I’ll brace myself and just get the exam done. Few min of pain for months of mental peace hopefully! :)

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