Birth - frequently asked questions
Why do I need internal (vaginal) examinations?
What happens during a vaginal examination?
When a woman's cervix thins during labour it is referred to as effacing. When her cervix is opening it is called dilating.
These cervical changes can be measured by the caregiver doing a vaginal examination with their gloved fingers during labour, often referred to as a VE.
During labour, vaginal examinations are usually carried out after a contraction finishes and when the woman says she is ready.
In this guide:
- When does labour start?
- When will my waters break?
- How long does labour last?
- What is pre-labour?
- What do contractions feel like?
- How do I time contractions?
- When do I come to hospital?
- What do I bring to hospital?
- What happens when I get to hospital?
- What if my labour is progressing slowly?
- What is the best position for giving birth?
- What is an episiotomy?
- How will my baby be monitored during labour?
- What is a CTG?
- Why do I need internal (vaginal) examinations?
- Can I take my placenta home?
- How do I register my baby’s birth?