Most women are healthy enough to cope with giving birth to their baby via an uncomplicated normal vaginal delivery. Most births occur in hospital for reasons of efficiency and safety. Birthing usually takes place in a labour ward, under the supervision of your doctor or midwife. During normal vaginal delivery, certain procedures are often performed as a routine part of the process. These include:
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- Vaginal examinations are performed regularly during labour to monitor your progress.
- Enemas may be given to empty the colon and prevent defecation (passing of stool) during labour.
- An intravenous line may be inserted into your arm to administer fluids, medications and painkillers.
- Shaving/Trimming of the pubic area- depending on your preferences or hospital policy.
- Catheterisation of the bladder- here a thin flexible tube is inserted into the urethra (urinary orifice) to allow free flow or urine to empty the bladder.
- Foetal monitoring is a method to have your baby’s well-being electronically monitored during delivery. If your cervix has not yet dilated and your abdomens are intact, an external ultrasound monitor is placed onto your abdomen. An internal minor can be used after the bag of water has broken and your cervix is sufficiently dilated. Here, a tiny, spiral shaped device is inserted through your vagina onto your baby’s scalp (a relatively harmless procedure)
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Nature may take its course, but sometimes it needs a helping hand. Here are some common procedures used to assist delivery during childbirth:
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- Inducing labour (getting it started). Uterus contractions are stimulated either by using medications, or by amniotomy (breaking the waters by making a tear in the amniotics membrane with a small plastic hook). Among the reasons for inducing labour are post-term pregnancy, pregnancy-induced high blood pressure (hypertension), diabetes mellitus, previous stillbirth or the premature rupture of membranes.
- Episiotomy, whereby an incision, under local anaesthetic, is made to enlarge the vaginal opening to facilitate delivery and to prevent tearing of the muscles of the vagina and the surrounding area during birth. It is usually performed when the baby’s head is crowning (pushing through)
- Vacuum extraction is when soft plastic cup is placed upon the baby’s scalp and suction is applied. It is used to assist the mother if she becomes exhausted or if the baby shows signs of distress.
- Forceps are medical instruments used to guide the baby’s head out of the canal.
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If these methods are inappropriate or not effective, then a caeserian section may be required.