I dont think it is necesarry to DO a VE to confirm 2nd stage, there are other signs that can guide you in this direction. It is done far too often in hospital so things can GET GOING, so to speak but who is this for the woman or for the midwife?

Generally we hvae a 2 hour limit to pushing in 2nd stage, however this can be extended if everything going well maternally and with a reassuring trace or fetal heart. However you have to be aware that if it is taking this long, what is going on - malposition, asynclitic etc etc.

__________________