Concerned About Midwife Examination During Pregnancy - Is My Baby Safe?

Question
Hi im a first time mom and im kind of worried.Last week i had a prenatal appt. and my doctor wasnt in so i had to see another midwife so,this midwife stuck her fingers really deeply into my stomach looking for fundal height she was mistaking my weeks so she was looking for my uterus very low when is already high up im 29 weeks she tought i was 19 weeks it really hurt when she put her fingers in soo deep into my belly is there anyway she could have poked my baby or hurted her in anyway example sticking at her eye or her head or you know anything please help im very worried

Answer
Hi there,

I understand that you are concerned about your experience, however, I would imagine that everything is fine.  

My experience is that people who are experienced with palpation (what the midwife was doing) typically press much harder than those who are not.  There is a lot of tissue and amniotic fluid between the outside of your belly and your baby.  Over time and with experience, someone who palpates regularly learns that you can press fairly firmly with no problem.  

However, if you are concerned, definately contact your doctor and talk to him/her about your concerns.  They may want to do further tests.

Best wishes,

Shawn House, LM
www.BirthintheNaturalState.com