Mother-assisted surgery became a fad overseas; federation of gynecologists advises against the practice
EINSTEIN AGENCY – Recently, the scene of a mother delivering her baby by C-section went viral on social media and shed light on a controversial new medical practice. Call mother-assisted cesarean sectionOR Cesarean assisted by the mother (MAC), has been touted as an attempt to increase the role of women in this birth process.
In this procedure, the doctor only removes the baby’s head and part of the chest, while the mother, dressed in a surgical gown and sterile gloves, completes the work.
Experts caution, however, that there is no evidence that this procedure is safe or beneficial. Although it is still relatively unknown in Brazil, the Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics Associations (Febrasgo) has just released a note highlighting the potential risks and recommending that this practice not be performed outside of approved clinical trials.
“The practice is not supported by well-designed protocols, recommendations or studies,” says obstetrician and gynecologist Alberto Trapani, president of the National Commission specializing in assistance to abortion, childbirth and the puerperium of Febrasgo.
The doctor explains that CAMs can increase the number and severity of complications, such as infections, increased surgical times, incisions, bleeding and injury to other organs, as well as causing delays in the care and evaluation of the newborn.
“An attempt is also made to simplify and relativize the complexity and risk of a surgical intervention which should be limited to urgent situations or specific conditions”, completes the specialist.
Risks for the pregnant woman and the child
“Even if at first sight it seems a humanized practice, it carries various risks, especially those of infection, which are already greater in this type of birth”, underlines Romulo Negrini, medical coordinator of the Department of Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine of the Albert Einstein Israelite Hospital .
Negrini explains that the incision in the belly leaves the abdomen more exposed to bacteria: for this reason the whole team must wear sterile material and the pregnant woman must be covered with sterile sheets. The faster the intervention, the shorter the exposure time and, consequently, the lower the risk of contamination. “If the mother brings her hands closer to the incision, the risk of contamination increases and prolongs the surgery time, thus increasing the risk of infection,” she explains.
According to the Brazilian deontological code, it is forbidden to fail to report the risks of a cure and to disclose therapies whose value is not expressly scientifically recognized by a competent body external to the scientific community, as Trapani, from Febrasgo, points out.
However, this does not mean that it is not possible to humanize the cesarean section. There are practices proven beneficial or harmless that make childbirth more respectful and facilitate bonding with the newborn.
Examples include lowering the curtain so that the mother can watch the birth, allowing the presence of a carer, promoting skin-to-skin contact when handing the baby to the mother soon after birth, encouraging breastfeeding in the first hour life, reduce ambient light and minimize noise, as well as incorporate music into the delivery room. “All these measures guarantee a birth that is not only humanized, but also safe,” says Negrini.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
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