INTERNAL EXAMINATION

LESLIE L. PAGUIO
BSN 3-C
What is Internal Examination?

 An internal, or vaginal, examination are physical

examinations conducted by doctor's,nurse or midwife and
caregiver who will gently inserting her gloved fingers into
your cervix to determine confirm cervical changes and and
progress of labor.
Reasons for Internal Examination During Pregnancy

1. The internal check-up in the ninth month of pregnancy can be done to check
the position of your cervix. As your labour progresses, your cervix will move
forward from its position, and your doctor will have easy access to it.
2. To track how much your cervix has opened up. Initially, the size is 1cm and it
goes up to 10cm. When your cervix is 10cm or more, it is the time to push
your baby out.
3. To check the position of your baby and if the water bag needs to be ruptured.
4. To check the position of your baby’s head, and whether it is engaged or not.
5. To establish how your baby’s head is sitting on your cervix.
• To check for infections.
• To conduct a pap smear test.
• To check for bleeding.
• To prevent inducing labor.
 Typically these exams are conducted in three times during your
pregnancy:
 Early Pregnancy: Around the 8th week mark. The doctor may do a
physical exam for a pap smear or just to identify length, texture, and any
abnormalities in the cervix if any.
 Late Pregnancy: doctors begin internal exams around the 36th week mark
and often this becomes a weekly routine.
 During Labour: The frequency of internal exams rise to a fever pitch and
you are given one every 4-6 hours depending on the protocol of the
hospital/doctor/caregiver.
The Procedure of an Internal Check-Up During Pregnancy

2. Internal Examination With a Speculum.

1.Internal Examination With Gloved Hands.
Procedure
Introduce yourself to patient and Identify the patient.
Explain the procedure to the patient.
Close the curtains
Put on Sterile Gloves
Lubricate the gloved index and middle fingers of your dominant hand.
Carefully separate the labia using the thumb and index finger of your non-dominant hand.
Gently insert the gloved index and middle finger of your dominant hand into the vagina.
Enter the vagina with your palm facing laterally and then rotate 90 degrees so that your palm is facing
upwards.
Withdraw your fingers and inspect the glove for blood or abnormal discharge.
Cover the patient with the sheet, explain that the examination is now complete and provide the patient with
privacy so they can get dressed. Provide paper towels for the patient to clean themselves.
Dispose the PPE and wash hands.
Thank you!!!