PREGNANCY-BIRTH Messages for January, 2002: Re: (Accidental) rectal exam and risk of infection during pregnancy?

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Re: (Accidental) rectal exam and risk of infection during pregnancy?

From: William McIntosh, MD (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Tue, 1 Jan 2002 16:11:07 -0600 (CST)

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In reply to: Abbey: "(Accidental) rectal exam and risk of infection during pregnancy?"
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Reply: Abbey: "Followup re: (Accidental) rectal exam and risk of infection- very worried!"

At Tue, 1 Jan 2002, Abbey wrote: >
>I'm very worried after something that happened today- I am 22 weeks
>pregnant and was evaluated at an out-of-town hospital due to a sudden
>decrease in fetal movement. Everything was ok with the baby, but the
>nurse who examined me accidentally inserted a finger in my rectum before
>checking my cervix. She didn't even realize she was in my rectum until
>I mentioned it to her. She didn't change gloves or anything, but
>quickly inserted the finger in my vagina, felt my cervix, and told me
>everything was fine. Isn't this a huge no-no? Couldn't this spread
>bacteria from the rectum into the cervix and the uterus? Is there
>anything I can do to reduce the risks of infection? Please advise- I'm
>very worried! Thanks!

It is a no-no, but there is unlikely to be any harm, as the vagina is typically contaminated by rectal flora at the best of times. I would inform my doctor in your shoes.

-- William D. McIntosh, MD, FACOG

This is for educational purposes only, and is not a substitute for consultation and examination by a licensed medical professional.

Next message: William McIntosh, MD: "Re: Pregnancy after the pill?"
Previous message: William McIntosh, MD: "Re: C- section question"
In reply to: Abbey: "(Accidental) rectal exam and risk of infection during pregnancy?"
Next in thread: Abbey: "Followup re: (Accidental) rectal exam and risk of infection- very worried!"
Reply: Abbey: "Followup re: (Accidental) rectal exam and risk of infection- very worried!"

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