Should you need urgent health advice please contact your GP or call NHS 111. In an emergency please visit A&E or call 999
Vaginal examinations (also known as VEs) are offered to assess the opening (dilation) and softening and thinning (effacement) of your cervix during labour. They can also help doctors and midwives to assess the position of your baby.
Your midwife or doctor will ask for your consent to do a VE. They gently insert 2 gloved fingers into your vagina to assess your cervix. They will use lubricating gel to make this more comfortable for you. You can ask them to stop at any time.
Your midwife can share the findings of the examination with you once it is complete. Some women want to know how many centimetres they are dilated, others prefer not to know. Let your midwife know your preferences so they can best support you.
During a vaginal examination, the cervix is assessed to understand:
- How long it is
- How thick it is
- How open it is
- How soft or firm it is
- Where it is positioned
- If it is close to the baby’s head
- If the waters around the baby are intact
Why would I need a vaginal exam?
- To do a membrane sweep
- To assess induction of labour
- To insert a cervical balloon or medication needed for induction of labour
- To break your waters
- To assess your progress in labour
How can I feel more comfortable during a VE?
You may find a vaginal exam uncomfortable. You can ask for the exam to be stopped at any time.
There are things the doctors and midwives can do to make you as comfortable as possible during a VE:
- Offer a chaperone to be present
- Ask people to leave the room if you would prefer privacy
- Offer suitable pain relief such as gas and air
- Using relaxation/breathing techniques
- Offer to explain what they’re doing, or stay silent if you would prefer
Vaginal examinations during induction of labour
Vaginal examinations are essential during induction of labour. During induction of labour, you will need more vaginal examinations compared to if you were not having an induction of labour. Please speak to your midwife as soon as possible if you are worried about having vaginal examinations.
