Vaginal examination is a common and routine aspect of midwifery practice that is used to determine the presentation and position of the fetus, and to measure cervical dilatation in order to assess progress in labour. It is under-examined, however; little has been written about midwives' and women's accounts of the practice, and scant attention has been paid to the way in which it should be taught and practised. Drawing on original qualitative research which highlights the problematic nature of vaginal examination in the experience of both women and midwives, this book discusses it as a method for assessing progress in labour and critiques its routine practice. Exploring issues around training, professional knowledge, surveillance and power, record-keeping, communication and consent, Mary Stewart provides a historical context, sets the discussion within a clear sociological framework and argues that vaginal examination is often carried out for reasons of custom, rather than best practice. Using vaginal examination as an example of hegemony in healthcare practice, this book will be of interest to researchers, students and practitioners interested in midwifery practice, women's health, the sociology of health and illness, and sociology of the body.