Comparing Transabdominal Ultrasound Scans with Digital Vaginal Examinations in Labour: A Cross-Sectional Study

Some women experience vaginal examinations as intimidating and uncomfortable, and repeated vaginal examinations can increase the risk of infection. Studies have shown that ultrasound is an objective method of assessing labour and its progress, while clinical assessment during labour is inaccurate and depends on the experience of the performer, with potential consequences for decision-making.

To compare transabdominal ultrasound with digital vaginal examination (DVE) and determine if it is suited to solely monitor the progress of labour.

A cross-sectional study was carried out among consenting women who presented in labour and were expected to deliver vaginally. Labour was monitored clinically with DVE. Once in the active phase of labour, a transabdominal ultrasound scan (TBUS) was performed for all patients to determine position, station, and cervical dilatation, just before the next vaginal examination. Data obtained with ultrasound was compared and correlated to clinical findings.

One hundred and fifty-four women in labour had paired TBUS and DVE assessments once and were recruited for analysis. Cervical dilatation and position as determined by TBUS were not statistically different from those of DVE. Although there was a significant difference between transabdominal ultrasound and DVE for the station, there was still a moderate correlation.

Transabdominal scan correlated well with DVE in determining cervical dilatation, station, and position, and thus, it might be suited to solely monitor the progress of labour. However, this requires further research.