What to Expect: The Role of a Doula in Pelvic Exams and the Necessity of Vaginal Exams

  Doctors base their decisions regarding medical interventions on a multitude of factors. This includes their extensive medical training, up-to-date research, and the unique circumstances of each patient. They consider the current health status of the patient, potential risks and benefits of interventions, and the patient’s personal wishes. Their ultimate goal is to ensure the health and safety of both the mother and the baby. 

  In the birthing community, some women are against medical interventions for a few reasons. Some believe that birth is a natural process that should be interfered with as little as possible. They may feel that unnecessary interventions could lead to a cascade of further interventions, each with their own risks. Others might feel that medical interventions take away from the personal and emotional experience of childbirth. They believe that it can take away from the birth itself.

  I feel sometimes that medical interventions should take place. If the situation is life or death there’s no reason to put the mother and baby at risk unnecessarily if it can be prevented. I do also believe that medical interventions can take away the beauty from birth. The feeling that you’re just another woman giving birth, rather than someone who is bringing another life into this world. That is a big difference, and can leave after effects on you and the way you view your labor and delivery experience.

  As a doula, I will try to create a bridge between medical professionals and the birthing women. I can help explain to my client, the purpose of vaginal/pelvic checks in a compassionate way, emphasizing their role and assessing labor, progression and identifying any potential complications early on. These checks play a crucial part in ensuring a safe labor and delivery experience.

  Pelvic exams during pregnancy are a common practice and serve a multitude of medical purposes. These exams are integral to monitoring the health, and progression of both the mother and the developing baby. The reasons for conducting a pelvic exam can vary widely. Some women might undergo this examination due to a history of infertility, which could necessitate closer observation of the reproductive organs, and the pregnancy's progression. Others might have experienced geological problems in the past, making it essential for healthcare providers to monitor any potential complications that could arise during the gestation period.

  Painful intercourse is yet another reason why pelvic exams may be necessary. It can help determine if there are underlying conditions that could affect the pregnancy or the women’s comfort and health. Suspicion of cervical problems is also a significant concern. The cervix plays a crucial role during pregnancy and childbirth, and any issues with it could lead to complications. Assessing the cervix favorability for potential induction (if wanted) is another critical reason for a pelvic exam, as it provides insights into whether, the body is ready for labor.

  Before the exam you’ll need to remove any lower clothing to make sure that the healthcare provider can perform the exam without any obstructions. It’s also a good idea to empty your bladder beforehand for your comfort. During the exam, the healthcare provider will wear sterile gloves and insert their index and middle finger into the vagina to fill the cervix. This allows them to check the softness position, and how much the baby has descended into the birth canal.

  Pelvic exams are not about the physical assessment; they also provide an opportunity for the healthcare provider to give the mother-to-be valuable knowledge about her body and the birth process. This knowledge can empower a woman, making her feel more in control and prepared for what’s to come during labor and delivery. It's in an essential aspect of prenatal care that can contribute significantly to a positive birth experience.

  During labor and delivery, pelvic exams often take place. They are used to check the dilation of the cervix, which indicates how labor is progressing. Sometimes, a procedure called membrane sweeping is done to help induce labor. This is another instance where a pelvic exam is necessary. After the birth, healthcare providers may need to perform additional procedures that involve touching the vagina to ensure that the mothers healing correctly and to address any concerns that may arise post delivery. 

  As I said before, my role as a doula is to make sure every woman feels empowered and educated about her body, the baby and all things birth. It may be difficult to see how first but these exams can lead to a more empowered birth experience, and knowledge of her and her body.

  Remember, communication with your healthcare provider is key. If you’re having any concerns or simply need reassurance about why a pelvic exam is being done don’t hesitate to speak up. It's your body, your baby and your birth experience so you have every right to be informed and feel comfortable with the care you are receiving. However, it’s also important to acknowledge that these checks can be invasive and uncomfortable, especially to those who have had trauma in some way or another. I would reassure my client that her feelings are valid and that it’s okay to ask for a break and or to have a support person present. 

  My job is to provide emotional support, physical comfort, and advocacy. I’m here to help my clients navigate their childbirth experience in the most positive and empowering way possible. I want to make sure she feels loved, and that her feelings are valid. I would also provide resources and information to further educate her on vaginal/pelvic floor exams. If the woman had any questions, I would answer them to the best of my abilities in all that I know. I feel finding someone who has been in your shoes and can relate to what she’s feeling would help explain anything and everything that may be running through her mind.

  Some women don’t understand having a baby is so much more than just the labor process. It’s about the moment you finally meet your little one face-to-face and your heart feels with an indescribable love. But it doesn’t stop there. Having a baby is a journey that lasts a lifetime, where you continuously learn and grow. It’s not just a one-time event, but a beautiful and ever-evolving experience. Labor is just the beginning of your birth journey not the end. That’s why it's extremely important to feel empowered and educated about your body and birth experience.