Risk content: Pregnancy is a very important and exciting phase for a couple, and it is necessary to take care of yourself more than normal. To ensure a safe and healthy pregnancy, you must visit an expert gynaecologist for potential checkups that include a pelvic exam procedure, which is vital to taking care of the baby’s health during pregnancy. QUEEN’S GYNECOLOGY is among the well-known, reputed clinics known for handling all pregnancy-related cases, including normal delivery, C-section delivery, and high-risk pregnancies. The clinic offers the best care and understands the pregnant woman’s needs, and has a team of exceptional and experienced maternity doctors and obstetricians.
In this Article
Pelvic Examination – An Overview
A pelvic exam during pregnancy is a gynaecological exam done by a gynaecologist to examine the genital region along with the other surrounding areas of the pelvis. It is generally accompanied by general anaesthesia, and during this pelvic examination procedure, vaginal fluids can also be collected to screen to determine if there are any infections there. The test is done to check the vulva, ovaries, cervix, uterus, and also rectum in a pregnant woman. It is generally performed during the first or third trimester of pregnancy. In rare cases, this vaginal exam is conducted when a woman is undergoing some complications. The examination is done:
- First trimester
A gynaecological exam that is done during early pregnancy is done to determine whether the cervix has been properly;t covered by the mucus plug or not.
- Third trimester
The pelvic test done in the third trimester is a normal prenatal test that is done frequently to check the effacement as well as dilation of the cervix to know the exact time left for delivery.
- Complications
If a woman is going through any complication during her pregnancy involving spotting, then she may be more prone to preterm labour. The doctor conducts the test to know the growth of the pelvic area to observe or to check whether you are suffering from any vaginal infection.
Related Blog: Tests During Pregnancy: Trimester-wise List Of Tests While Undergoing A Pregnancy
Procedure details of the cervical exam during pregnancy
A cervical exam during pregnancy is offered as a routine part of care by the gynaecologist, which often looks like one eczema, each beginning around 36 weeks gestation until the labour starts. During the pelvic exam procedure, your gynaecologist will recommend you undress from the waist down and lie back on the exam table with your feet in stirrups. This test is done manually with a gloved hand using the lubricating gel. The gynaecologist will insert two fingers into the vagina and reach up towards the cervix. The pelvic test done by the gynaecologist frequently on every visit usually lasts 30 seconds to a few minutes. The test is conducted by the gynaecologist to determine any issues, including :
- Cervix positioning, whether it is still in pregnancy opt position or has moved face in a more forward direction towards the pubic bone.
- Consistency of the cervix as the cervix changes from firm during pregnancy to soft during labour.
- Whether the cervix is open and to what extent, as in pregnancy, it is normal for the cervix to be tightly closed to protect the baby inside. During labour, the cervix is opened by contractions. In some cases, the cervix also dilates a centimetre late in pregnancy, before the beginning of contraction.
- The cervix has started to thin, and to what extent does it start to thin for labour in late pregnancy? Contractions help create cervix changes that the gynaecologist must notify.
- The baby’s position as the baby moves lower into the pelvis is also called baby dropping. Contractions make this happen and help the baby move through the pelvis.
Pelvic exam test results – what to expect
This gynaecological exam is done to diagnose problems linked with female reproductive organs, an early diagnosis can treat it well, and thus, the examination is done frequently by gynaecologists during pregnancy. Soon after the pelvic examination procedure, the doctor will tell if there is any abnormality in the reproductive system. In some cases, samples collected will be sent to the lab for further examination, and results may take a few days. It is possible for you to have vaginal spotting and mild cramps post-procedure but abnormal pain and heavy bleeding are abnormal, and you must consult your gynaecologist if any of these you experience.
Why choose Queen’s Gynecology for pregnancy?
QUEEN’S GYNECOLOGY is among the best clinics for a healthy and safe pregnancy. Doctors here believe in handling all types of pregnancy and caring for both mother and fetus. It is one of the best clinics that also provide maternity services in Apollo Cradle Royale, Max smart super speciality Hospital in South Delhi etc. if you are seeking cost-effective maternity packages, schedule your appointment with QUEEN’S GYNECOLOGY as the maternity packages here include all advanced maternity treatments to take care of your well being. It is among the best maternity hospitals in South Delhi, known for handling all types of deliveries, and is well-equipped with expert obstetricians, intensive care providers, maternity doctors, diabetologists and emergency services. Pelvic exams during pregnancy help to diagnose the problem associated with female reproductive organs, and thus is crucial to diagnose and treat the issue before it gets complicated.
Conclusion
A pelvic exam is a gynaecological exam to determine the state of the cervix. However, the exams are subjective and vary from person to person. A person’s cervix may have changed within the next 3 hours, 3 days or even 3 weeks. Gynaecologists have to keep a check and maintain reproductive and sexual health. Thus pelvic exam is done to look at the vulva to check for usual signs, including skin changes like colour, sores or swelling. Also, doctors might include a Pap test, also called the Mera test, to collect samples of cells from the cervix. A physical exam may also be included to feel the stomach. At every step of the service test, gynaecologists will tell you everything that’s being done. When you visit your gynaecologist, discussing health concerns and all procedures done during pregnancy is best. Your gynaecologist will discuss all pregnancy, pelvic exam procedures and their results. At QUEEN’S GYNAECOLOGY, doctors may recommend a physical exam depending on your age, health history and any symptoms. A physical exam will also include a cervical exam during pregnancy. The tests will help them to look at the cervix, vagina, and vulva to check for any signs of any problems.
FAQ’s
The exam cannot determine the day and the time you will go into labour.
The gynaecologist will wear a sterilized glove, but there is a chance of bacteria from the vagina being pushed into the cervix which can develop into an infection.
Your gynaecologist needs to conduct some internal vaginal exams during pregnancy. Most women need this examination in the first trimester, and most of them in the third trimester.
A Pap test is a lab test, and a pelvic exam is a physical examination done by a gynaecologist.
Women may feel a little uncomfortable but will not feel pain during pelvic exams. If you feel pain, talk to your gynaecologist about it.
