09/09/2024
In a spontaneous, physiological birth without any complications, vaginal examinations are not evidence based on assessing a mother's progress of labour.
They can be subjective, increase the chance of infection, and are telling us what the cervix is doing right now, not what it is about to do.
Vaginal examinations, however, may be necessary. For example, if there are concerns about the baby's position or the fetal heart rate.
There are other external signs that caregivers look out for when 'assessing' a mother's progress in labour, such as:
* how she is responding to her surges
* large mucous show is present
* she may have a large vomit
* the purple line may be visible, or the opening of the back (rhombus of michaelis).
* a**l dilation
* birth smell
* saying she needs to push, or seeing involuntary pushing
Have the conversation and ask your caregiver how they assess a mother's progress in labour.