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Building a picture of labour: how midwives use vaginal examination during labour

Abstract:

Vaginal examination has been part an important part of midwifery practice for many years. However, the invasiveness of the procedure raises concerns regarding an increased risk of infection and the negative perceptions of women. This research is a small, qualitative, descriptive study exploring midwives’ use of vaginal examination during labour in the New Zealand model of continuity of care. Six midwives working in a Lead Maternity Carer role were interviewed and provided data for thematic analysis. Three themes were identified. These were: the woman’s beliefs and expectations, the midwives’ ability to build a picture of labour, and the influence of the medical culture within the tertiary unit.

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cervical dilation, influences on vaginal examination, intrepreting labour