01/03/2026
Vaginal examinations (VE’s) are optional in labour 🤍
As midwives, we perform them often and they are a routine, clinical skill for us. There is nothing awkward, nothing embarrassing, and nothing “too much” about your body. It’s simply part of our work, and we approach it with professionalism, respect, and care.
✨ Common reasons a VE may be offered
• As part of the induction process
• To assess how dilated you are, they are routinely offered every 4 hours in established labour
• When making decisions about pain relief (like an epidural)
• If there are concerns about baby’s wellbeing
✨ Pros:
• Can give information about labour progress
• May help guide decision-making
• Can sometimes provide reassurance
✨ Cons:
• Can feel uncomfortable or invasive
• Doesn’t always predict how quickly labour will progress
• Can provide disappointment even though they aren’t definitive
• Increased risk of infection (especially after waters have broken)
• May interrupt your labour flow
Consent always comes first. You can ask questions, you can say no, and you can change your mind at any time. Just because you choose to have one examination, doesn’t mean you consent to all.
You should never feel uncomfortable or embarrassed, this is our everyday work, but it’s your body and your birth. You deserve to feel safe, informed, and respected every step of the way 🤍
Midwife Lily xx
