I am 16 weeks pregnant right now, and im going for my second doctors appointment, I have had an ultra sound, but it was one at the hospital due to pains in my stomach! My aunt had a baby a few months ago, and she said that she had to go through none of the things my doctor told me I had to go through! My doctor told me I had to lay naked on the table so they could do a pelvic exam, and I dont understand why I have to be naked, my aunt said they never had to look at her naked...so why is my doctor so different, they told me I need blood work taken every time I go to the doctors office...and that doesnt seem right either! My pregnancy is normal, there are no difficulties...so are they just being over precautious, I dont know ......plz can you tell me the things your doctors told you, so I can compare, and make sure my doctor isnt just a pervert or something. thank you so much Leticia

Hi, My little girl is now 6 months but the only time I was naked in my pregnancy was during labour. I also was rushed to hospital for abdominal pains at around 15 weeks pregnant. I never actually saw a doctor at ante-natel visits, I saw a midwife, I lay on the bed and pulled my top to below my boobs (above my bump) and my trousers were pulled below my bump. If I was to have been asked to strip off I would have asked why because I can't think of any need. They only need to examine breasts- pull top up, back- pull top up, ankles hitch trousers up and bump- top up, trousers pulled down slightly. Even with a VE (vaginal examination) trousers and knickers off (behind a screen) and you should be given a sheet to cover yourself until it actually takes place. I would phone NHS direct just to ask if it's normal and also phone your local maternity ward and see, as for tests it will always differ, depending on personal health, background, family health etc.

hi. congrats and gl for your pregnancy. i've had 2 kids and i've never had 2 strip off. they feel to see what way your babies lying butjust had to undo my cloths.as for blood tests the 1st is to check for everything that u could have that'll harm your baby(hiv, infections, etc) but they also monitor your blood for anemia which is common in pregnancy. you have to take a urine sample every time you go(you become an expert peeing in a wee bottle lol) but this is to moniter sugar and protein levels. your doc seems a little too keen and if your uncomfortable you should say. its your body and your baby!!!!!i hope everything goes ok and you can speak to your doc about your reservations. take care

I know its all scary, especially if its your first pregnancy. I've had four children, not only in four different hospitals, but in three different countries.
The tests and care were different every time, so put this ontop of anything that needs watching with your pregnancy, I'd say you're getting good care, you'd need to be more concerned if the level of care was lower. Try to have confidence in your doctors but always ask any questions, don't hold them back thinking you will sound stupid. Good luck.

My first ultrasounds were 'internal' (using a wand type thingy), so I had to strip & don a gown for that. If I can recall from and including 16 weeks the scans have been 'external' (they put gel on your belly and use an external scanner). I could be wrong and perhaps 16 weeks could be done internally as well, not sure.

I also had blood tests pretty much every visit up to and including 16 weeks, mainly testing for downs syndrome also other things as well, he explained them at the time but can't remember (e.g. I know I had an HIV test somewhere along the line, not sure when). But I don't think from 20 weeks on I am expected to do any more blood tests.

I do do urine tests every visit and will continue to do so (I think they are testing sugar & protein levels?).

PS Remember to a doctor you are not a "naked person", you are one of their many items or work on their daily agenda... if you are uncomfortable about something, ask the doctor why - it is your right! I am full of questions - if you don't like the answer (e.g. if they say someting like "because that is the procedure" keep asking "but why is that necessary?".

Once they realise you need a truly thoughtful answer, they should give it to you. Keep in mind, you may not like the explanation (e.g. if they say we are worried about some aspect of your pregnancy, due to your medical history or other reason). If they completely refuse to answer any questions and treat you like a mindless child, if I were you I would change doctors.

I sweet~d how are you doing?Last time I went to the doctors I also had to get my 37 weeks pelvic exam.I had to get undressed but my doctor gives me a gown to put on so I not completely naked.The reason my doctor doesn't let me just get undressed from the waist down is because she gives me a breast exam also.(feels your boobs).I like them taking your blood everytime you go is a little to much.I only have 13 days left and through out my pregnancy they only checked my blood 4 times.Are you a teenager?Alot of times they are very careful when it comes to teenage pregnancies.They make you visit them more, test you more,to make sure everything is ok.At the end it's all for a good reason.Better to be safe than sorry!Good luck!