Vaginal examinations - Midwifery assessment using theory of vaginal examinations and fetal positioning. Flashcards
What are the three things we are initially assessing with a VE?
Vulva, vagina and cervix
What are we looking out for when assessing the vulva?
Appearance, FGM, varicosities and oedema
What are we looking out for when assessing the vagina?
Infection, discharge, feel (warm/hot/ moist/dry)
What five things are we assessing when we examine the cervix?
Position, consistency, application, effacement and dilation
What ‘position’ could the cervix be in when doing a VE?
Posterior, mid, anterior
What ‘consistency’ could the cervix be when doing a VE?
Firm, softening, soft
What ‘application’ could the cervix have when doing a VE?
Well, loose
What ‘effacement’ could the cervix have when doing a VE?
long/effacing/partially/fully/oedematous
What other things are we to look out for when doing a VE?
Condition of membranes, cord prolapse, show (mucus, blood, meconium)
How can we determine the attitude of the fetal skull via VE?
Location of the fontanelles and sutures
What denominator might we feel during a VE?
Occiput (head), Mentum (chin or face), Sacrum (bum), Brow, Acromion (shoulder)
How might a fetal head with Caput Succedaneum feel?
Soft and spongy
What Bishop score is considered favourable?
7+
