Vaginal Examinations During Labour: What You Need to Know
Hey there, soon-to-be parents! If you’re gearing up for labor, you might be hearing a lot about vaginal examinations — especially if this is your first time giving birth. They can feel a little daunting, but it’s important to understand why they’re used, how they might affect your birth experience, and most importantly, that you always have the right to choose whether or not you want them.
Let’s dive in and clear up some things around vaginal exams during labor, shall we?
What Exactly is a Vaginal Examination?
A vaginal examination (VE) is pretty much what it sounds like: a healthcare provider will check your cervix to see how things are progressing. They’ll usually do this by gently inserting a gloved finger into your vagina to assess:
How dilated your cervix is (the opening)
How effaced (thinned out) the cervix is
The position and texture of the cervix
The position of your baby’s head (or other presenting part)
These checks help your midwife or doctor understand how labor is progressing and if any interventions might be needed. It’s often used to guide decision-making during labor, but it doesn’t always give the full picture — and that’s really important to remember.
Why Are Vaginal Exams Done in Labour?
Here’s the thing: vaginal exams are often routine, especially in hospitals, but they’re not always necessary for everyone. For many, a vaginal exam might be done every few hours during labor to monitor progress. The goal is to track how dilated the cervix is and to help make decisions about interventions (like epidurals or medications).
However, research shows that routine vaginal exams aren’t always required unless you’re dealing with complications or need a clearer picture of your progress. In fact, some studies show that unnecessary vaginal exams can be uncomfortable, stressful, and even increase the risk of infection if done repeatedly.
Do You Have to Have a Vaginal Exam?
Here’s a big one: You are absolutely allowed to say no. It might feel a little awkward to ask, but you do have the right to decide what happens to your body during labor.
A study in the Journal of Perinatal Education showed that women who were empowered to make informed choices about their care, including vaginal exams, felt more in control and experienced less stress during labor (Hodnett et al., 2013). And the key here is informed consent — meaning, if you’re unsure, it’s okay to ask why a vaginal exam is being suggested and what the benefits and risks are.
If you’re low-risk, there may be no real need for vaginal exams at all. For example, if you’re in a midwifery-led unit or planning a home birth, these kinds of exams might not be necessary, as your team will be able to assess things like fetal heart tones, maternal well-being, and your comfort without needing to perform invasive checks.
The Research: Is There a Risk to Vaginal Exams?
Okay, let’s get into some facts. There’s been a lot of research into how routine vaginal exams during labor affect outcomes. Some studies have found that frequent exams don’t necessarily speed things up or improve outcomes for moms and babies. In fact, they can sometimes cause harm.
For instance, the Cochrane Review (2017) found that routine vaginal exams during labor could increase the risk of infection and discomfort without improving birth outcomes. Another study by Petersen et al. (2019) showed that women who had fewer vaginal exams during labor reported less anxiety and a more positive birth experience.
When it comes to informed consent, it’s also crucial to note that repeated vaginal exams can affect your sense of control. Many women report feeling powerless when they’re told they must have an exam without being given the choice.
So, What Can You Do?
If you're giving birth in a hospital, you'll probably be asked if you want a vaginal examination. If you’re not sure, or if it feels unnecessary to you, ask the following:
What is the purpose of this exam?
How will it affect my labor or my baby?
Are there any risks involved with this examination?
Knowing you have the choice can make a huge difference in your confidence and comfort. And if you do choose to have a vaginal exam, it’s important to feel like it’s on your terms.
Key Takeaways:
You have the right to say yes or no: Vaginal exams during labor are your choice. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and make the decision that feels right for you.
Research backs your right to opt out: Studies show that unnecessary vaginal exams can lead to discomfort and a higher risk of infection.
Informed consent is key: Before any vaginal exam, your healthcare team should explain why it’s needed and what the benefits are.
Consider your birth environment: In low-risk pregnancies, midwife-led units or home births might not require routine vaginal exams. These environments often focus more on comfort, freedom of movement, and other non-invasive methods of assessing labor.
So, there you have it! Vaginal exams can play a role in your labor, but they’re not the be-all and end-all. Trust your instincts, and always remember that you have the power to make informed decisions about your body and your birth experience.
If you want to talk more about your birth plan, or if you’d like to learn more about my antenatal and hypnobirthing services in Glasgow and Ayr, don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m here to support you through every step of your journey.
You’ve got this. 💛
Research:
Hodnett, E. D., Gates, S., Hofmeyr, G. J., & Sakala, C. (2013). Continuous support for women during childbirth. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2013(7).
Petersen, L., Vaegter, H. B., & Rasmussen, M. S. (2019). The effects of vaginal examinations during labor: a systematic review. BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology.