SVE in pregnancy commonly refers to a Sterile Vaginal Examination, a procedure performed by a healthcare provider to assess the cervix during labor.
Understanding Sterile Vaginal Examinations (SVE)
A sterile vaginal examination (SVE) is a manual examination of the cervix performed by a doctor or midwife during pregnancy, particularly during labor. The examination involves inserting gloved fingers into the vagina to assess:
- Cervical dilation: How far open the cervix is, measured in centimeters (cm). 0 cm indicates a closed cervix, while 10 cm indicates full dilation, ready for delivery.
- Cervical effacement: How thin the cervix has become, measured as a percentage. 0% means the cervix is thick, and 100% means it's completely thinned out.
- Fetal position: The position of the baby's head (or presenting part) in relation to the pelvis.
- Fetal station: How far down the baby has descended in the pelvis, measured in relation to the ischial spines (bony prominences in the pelvis).
- Membranes: Whether the amniotic sac (the bag of waters) is intact or has ruptured.
Why are SVEs Performed?
SVEs are performed during labor to:
- Assess labor progress: By tracking cervical dilation, effacement, station, and fetal position, healthcare providers can determine if labor is progressing normally.
- Guide decision-making: The information gathered from an SVE helps decide on the appropriate course of action, such as continuing to wait, augmenting labor with medication, or preparing for delivery.
- Identify potential problems: SVEs can help identify problems like malpresentation (baby in an abnormal position) or slow progress, allowing for timely intervention.
The SVE Procedure
The procedure typically involves:
- The woman lies on her back with her knees bent.
- The healthcare provider inserts two gloved and lubricated fingers into the vagina.
- Using the fingers, the provider gently assesses the cervix and the baby's position.
Considerations Regarding SVEs
- Infection risk: Although performed with sterile gloves, SVEs carry a small risk of introducing infection.
- Discomfort: SVEs can be uncomfortable, especially during contractions. Communication with the healthcare provider is important to manage discomfort.
- Alternatives and limitations: While SVEs are a common practice, some women prefer to limit them. Discussing the benefits and risks with your healthcare provider can help you make informed decisions. External monitoring and observation of labor progress can sometimes be used as supplementary assessments.
In summary, a sterile vaginal examination (SVE) is a common procedure during labor used to assess cervical dilation, effacement, and fetal position, providing valuable information for managing the birthing process.
