Have you considered why you should have a vaginal exam during pregnancy and labor? I often say your cervix is not a crystal ball, it’s not going to tell you when labor is going to start. It’s something I see time and time again, students will come into class excited because they are a little dilated or discouraged because they are not. My guest today is going to talk about the information we get from vaginal exams and how that will help you make decisions in pregnancy and labor. She poses the question, are they even necessary before the onset of labor?
On this episode of Yoga|Birth|Babies, we welcome Kara French, certified nurse midwife. Kara has been a registered nurse since 2006 and became a midwife in 2014. She spent her midwifery career working in a private practice as well as in a large hospital system. Kara is currently in a private practice attending home and hospital births, including seeing patients for complete gynecological care.
Kara reminds parents that they are in control and make the decisions in their birth process. She emphasizes, “your body, your baby, your birth.” She says it’s important for parents to talk to their providers about their birth preferences during prenatal care, to discern if their provider is a good fit. She suggests that if you are not comfortable with your provider’s approach to labor, you don’t have to stay with them, you can always switch. Kara gives useful information for expecting parents and how vaginal exams may help when looking at the big picture of birth.
In this episode you will learn:
- About Kara and what led her to midwifery.
- What vaginal exams are and what they are used for.
- When vaginal exams may be necessary prior to the onset of labor.
- Why some care providers do vaginal exams routinely after 36 or 37 weeks pregnant.
- Kara’s preference for when to do a vaginal exam.
- How the information discovered during the exam informs the next steps in care.
- When getting a vaginal exam, what you should consider important in terms of labor progression.
- Why someone may decline an exam before or during labor.
- A piece of advice Kara would like to offer new and expectant parents.
- How to get connected with Kara.
About Kara:
Kara has been a registered nurse since 2006 and became a midwife in 2014. She spent her midwifery career working in a private practice as well as in a large hospital system. Kara is currently in a private practice attending home and hospital births, including seeing patients for complete gynecological care.
Connect with Kara:
Website: www.gaiamidwives.com
- Don’t forget to grab your FREE guide, 5 Simple Solutions to the Most Common Pregnancy Pains HERE
- If you love what you’ve been listening to, please leave a rating and review! Yoga| Birth|Babies (Apple) or on Spotify!
To connect with Deb and the PYC Community:
Instagram & Facebook: @prenatalyogacenter
Youtube: Prenatal Yoga Center
