title: [Manual obstetrical examination method. Current status in West Germany].
abstract: Until the middle of the eighteenth century the manual method of obstetrical examination involved exterior examination in addition to vaginal exploration. During the post-Semmelweis era, that is particularly following the introduction of the rubber glove, vaginal examination was omitted in favour of combined rectal and exterior examination. Since about the 1970 the vaginal form of examination is again preferred, although this procedure is described with some controversy in most present-day textbooks on obstetrics and midwifery. Representative sample examination tests performed by 625 obstetricians and 1478 various clinics showed clearly that for the purpose of controlling uncomplicated pregnancies and births, most physicians employ the vaginal form of examination. Moreover, even in those cases involving pathological pregnancies and risk the vaginal examination is preferred, possibly all too unreservedly so.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D007744:Obstetric Labor Complications / Q000175:diagnosis*; D007752:Obstetric Labor, Premature / Q000175:diagnosis; D010173:Palpation / Q000379:methods; D010808:Physical Examination / Q000379:methods*; D010923:Placenta Previa / Q000175:diagnosis; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000175:diagnosis*; D012007:Rectum; D014621:Vagina
vernacular_title: Die manuelle geburtshilfliche Untersuchungsmethode. Aktuelle Situation in der Bundesrepublik Deutschland.