Experiences of vaginal examination by pregnant women during labour: A cross-sectional study

Giving birth is undoubtedly one of the most important experiences in women's lives. It is critical to provide technically competent care and improve women's care experiences to provide quality care during labour. This study was undertaken to determine the factors affecting vaginal examination (VE) experiences of women during labor. The descriptive and correlational study was conducted with 213 postpartum women who gave birth vaginally. Data were collected using a Descriptive Data Form and the Women's Experiences of Vaginal Examinations in Labor Scale (WEVEL). The mean score of the postpartum women on the total WEVEL score was 66.6±4.8. A significant negative relationship was found between postpartum mothers' VE experiences and the frequency of VEs' and the level of discomfort during VE (r=-0.33), while a positive relationship was shown with the level of the person performing VE (r=0.38) (p<0.01). Factors explaining 25.7% of VE experiences were the level of discomfort during VE and the level of the person performing VE. We conclude that the level of discomfort during VE and the level of the person performing VE were significant predictors of women's VE experiences, with the former having a positive and the latter a negative effect.