Affecting factors of vaginal examination during normal labor and related experiences of women

This study was qualitatively performed to determine both the experiences related to vaginal examination and affecting factors. Participant group of this study consisted of 20 women giving normal birth at the maternity ward service of two hospitals located in Bolu. The data were collected using the semi-structured interview form generated by the researcher. The content analysis was used for the evaluation of data obtained from the study. "The concept of vaginal examination" and "experience and emotional responces" regarding the experience of vaginal examination as two themes were identified in the study. Besides, "life influencers" and "vaginal examination regarding the expectations" such as sub-themes related to the factors affecting the vaginal examination experience were identified. It was determined that in the present study the women were informed of the vaginal examination and thought the examination exerted to detect the progress of labor. It was conclued that the participants thought they were unable to obtain the sufficient information from the health professionals throughout the inspection process of participants, sufficient attention was not shown for their privacy, and they were exposed to the frequent vaginal examinations. Women stated they felt the shame/embarrassing and fear depending on the vaginal examination. It was identified that the participants expected to be supported by the health professionals and their spouses during vaginal examination. That the smiling face and timely provision of adequate information were the most anticipated features was revealed. It was determined that the women expected much more reliable examination environment in terms of the privacy. Throughout the vaginal examination the required cares of women with the appropriate communication techniques provided by the health professionals have a positive impact on the normal childbirth process in the future. Keywords: Normal childbirth, Vaginal examination, Experience.