History & examinationFree in the app
Vaginal examination in labour
Everything to feel and record.
Source: NICE NG235 · WHOCervix
| Dilatation | cm |
|---|---|
| Length | Effacement in cm/% |
| Consistency | Firm / medium / soft |
| Position | Posterior / mid / anterior |
| Application | Well or poorly applied to head; oedema, anterior lip |
Presenting part
| Identity | Vertex, face, breech… |
|---|---|
| Station | cm above/below ischial spines |
| Position | By sutures and fontanelles |
| Flexion | Posterior fontanelle central = flexed |
| Caput | 0 to +++ |
| Moulding | 0 to +++ |
Also
- Membranes intact/ruptured; liquor colour (clear, blood, meconium)
- Exclude cord presentation or prolapse
- Correlate station with fifths palpable abdominally
A summary for trained clinicians. Always check the full guideline, the patient in front of you and your hospital's protocol. Spotted an error? Tell us.