You don't always have to do a VE to assess if you're lady should or shouldn't push, if she is getting strong urges then all her outwardly signs should tell you if she is fully dilated - the most obvious being the vertex!! lol! I was told by a midwife that if the vertex isnt visible then there is no point getting her to push as the head just isnt decended enough and if the baby is OP then the only thing is to suggest position change, get mum on all fours which may also be more comfortable for her if she has backache. I think the case of the oedematus cervix is quite a rare one as I'm sure that there is no actual evidence that proves pushing on the cervix causes this? Duno, I could be completely wrong!! (its not the first time and won't be the last!!)

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