can a midwife do vaginal examinations after the birth to check for prolapse

[cheeky]

A friend of mine had a baby three weeks ago and gets pain and a feeling that somethings falling out of her vagina. She moved house just last week and is looking for a GP.

She is still seeing the midwife and I said she should ask her to examine her, but she says midwives are not able to do that sort of examination. They can only tell if you're dilating, wtares have broken etc and will never examine you internally after the birth and that it has to be a doctor who examines her. She is also due a smear and it would be good if the midwife could do that.

does anyone know whether midwives can examine you after the birth and whether they can do smears?

I'm thinking MW wouldn't do the examination because she's not in a position to do the follow-up and advice, can your friend not get into see a nurse or GP?

Think she has to see a GP. FWIW they check it at the 6 week post natal follow up, I think because it takes that long for things to 'go back' so what she is feeling maybe bruising etc. Either way though I think that the GP would be the one to check.

Oh yeah and my GP told me that you should wait at least 4 months after having a baby for a smear due to the changes that occur during pregnancy/birth.

Please tell your friend that she should ask the midwife. They definitely can do that type of check-up - they did for me! I asked my midwife to examine me because I felt that my cervix was very low in my vagina following my delivery. It was, it was visible just inside the entrance. She then referred me to the gynaecologist for further examination. I'm pleased to report the cervix went back with pelvic floor exercises, but I still have a mild vaginal prolapse of the bowel and bladder (delightful, but I'm stuck with that)

sorry should have said don't know about smears and midwives.

Cheeky - it would be best if your friend saw the doctor. Midwives do not normally perform pelvic examinations unless they have extended their training by undertaking the family planning course. Smears are best left to at least 3-4 months postnatal because of the cervical changes post birth as Pie said.