Pelvic Examination in ANC Clinic: A rural hospital experience

Abstract

Background Routine pelvic examination and Papanicolaou (Pap) smear were recommended as standard of care for first-time visitor to antenatal care (ANC) clinic. This study was conducted to determine the abnormalities that could be detected by such recommendation in ANC clinic of a rural hospital.

Methods Five hundred and thirty pregnant women whilst their first visit to ANC clinic at Phanomphrai hospital, after group counselling, had received speculum examination, bimanual palpation, Pap smear, and those with vaginal discharge received wet smear.

Results Abnormalities were detected in 69.8 percent of pregnant women. These included 13.0 percent of abnormal Pap smear, 8.5 percent of fungal infection, 0.6 percent of Trichomo nas vaginitis, 55.8 percent of non specific vaginitis, 0.4 percent of cervical polyp, and 4.0 percent of unequal uterine size relative to gestational age. After excluded 3 unsatisfactory smears, 12.5 percent of Pap smears were class II and 0.5 percent were class III (n = 527).

Conclusions Pelvic examination can detect many abnormalities in pregnant women. This procedure should therefore be emphasized as routine care for first-time visitor of ANC clinic.