Dear Daniela
There is no evidence to support routine vaginal examinations during pregnancy. The practice is cultural rather than research based, therefore there is little information out there. I think there is an assumption worldwide that this is not happening therefore not an issues. However, it is common in the US and elsewhere ie. Croatia.
It is probably easier to argue it from the other side ie. 'where is the evidence to carry out a VE in pregnancy?'. There is no literature supporting it and guidelines either don't mention in or make statements against it. For example:
The WHO guidelines for care in pregnancy don't mention routine VE:
http://www.who.int/maternal_child_ad...924159084x/en/.
The National Institute of Clinical Excellence (UK) state that
"Routine antenatal pelvic examination does not accurately assess gestational age, nor does it accurately predict preterm birth or cephalopelvic disproportion. It is not recommended." http://www.nice.org.uk/nicemedia/pdf...Eguideline.pdf.
In addition to the procedure not providing any helpful information it theoretically could cause harm for example:
- introducing infection
- stimulating prostaglandin production in the cervix (when pre-term labour is suspected a VE is avoided for this reason)
- it is uncomfortable
- it is disempowering for women
- the findings can be used to provide inaccurate information to women regarding when labour may start. A multip may be walking around 4cm dilated for most of her pregnancy and be nowhere near labouring. A primip can have a cervix that is firm and closed and give birth that day.
I hope that is some help. Croatian women need to start saying 'no' and be supported programs such as your's to do so. Practice will only change if women demand it.
Good luck