As has been said there are a variety of other signs to watch out for.
I am personally against routine VE unless clinically indicated. Guidelines are just that, not rules.... hospital protocols dip into guildelines as it suits it seems to me.

I think there is something fundamentaly wrong with a system that promotes/gives a midwife the power of "allowing" a woman push only when the midwife says it is ok after an invasive and often very uncomfortable/painful procedure.