The touch exam in pregnancy serves for the gynecologist to evaluate the evolution of pregnancy or labor, for this the doctor introduces 2 fingers to touch the cervix and evaluate the time that labor should still last, in this case delivery, based on dilation of the cervix.
Normally the touch exam is used at the end of pregnancy to check the dilation and thickness of the cervix, descent and position of the fetus head and rupture of the pouch. However, it can also be done in early pregnancy to assist in the diagnosis of pregnancy or to assess the length of the pregnant woman's cervix.
The touch exam, by itself, does not detect pregnancy at an early stage, and it is necessary to use other methods for the diagnosis of pregnancy, such as palpation, ultrasound and Beta-HCG blood test.
The touch exam in pregnancy is contraindicated when the pregnant woman has a large blood loss in the intimate region.
How is the touch exam in pregnancy
The touch exam in pregnancy is done with the pregnant woman lying on her back, with her legs apart and her knees bent. It is performed by a gynecologist who introduces two fingers, usually the index and the middle fingers, in order to touch the bottom of the cervix.
The touch exam is always done with sterile gloves so that there is no risk of infection and does not cause pain. Some pregnant women claim that the test hurts, however it should only cause slight discomfort, due to the pressure of the fingers on the cervix.
Touch examination in pregnancy may bleed
The touch exam in pregnancy can cause a little bleeding, which is normal and should not worry the pregnant woman. However, if the woman sees a large blood loss after a touch exam, she should see her doctor immediately to make sure everything is fine.
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