Know what interventions may occur during childbirth

Know what interventions may occur during childbirth

Everyone expects the moment of delivery to be as peaceful as possible, but it is important to be prepared for complications that may arise and require unexpected procedures by the obstetric team.




Know what interventions may occur during childbirth

Emergency, risk of death, fetal suffering, lack of evolution of labor (dilatation) and even intense pain can lead to procedures, radical or not, to be adopted at the time of delivery. The pregnant woman and her family obviously receive communications and indications from the doctor, who, it should be remembered, only resorts to these resources as a last resort. The best known are:

emergency cesarean

If the team that is ready to carry out the normal birth verifies that there is some risk for the mother or for the baby, it is indicated so that the two have a safer birth. The main dangers are eclampsia, genital herpes with active lesion, prolapse of the umbilical cord (when it comes out before the baby and can cut off oxygenation), detachment of the placenta or placenta previa and the baby crossed in the belly (transverse ). Fetal discomfort and lack of labor progress, even with induction, are usually also indicative of a C-section, but some doctors debate these limitations.

There are also other intercurrent factors that need to be evaluated individually to determine whether or not surgical delivery is best, such as the release of thick meconium (the baby’s first “feeces”) into the amniotic fluid and the proportion of the baby to the mother’s vaginal canal. .

Premature births also have a high probability of ending in a caesarean section, such as rupture of membranes, insufficient oxygenation for the baby, severe intrauterine growth restriction, or any other problem that threatens the life of the mother or baby. baby.

Labor induction with drugs

Induction of labor is usually more used as the pregnancy approaches 42 weeks and when there is risk to mother and baby, but it is not yet a case of C-section. The main substances used are prostaglandins and oxytocin. The former can be introduced into the vagina in the form of a suppository, to make the cervix more flexible. Oxytocin, on the other hand, is applied intravenously and aims to produce contractions. When these hormones are prescribed, it is common for contractions to be more painful than natural ones, which is why analgesic methods, including anesthesia, may be used.

artificial rupture of the bag

Water usually breaks down naturally to initiate labor. However, in extreme cases, doctors can do it artificially so that the body starts producing prostaglandins and, as a result, contractions. To perform this procedure, a sterilized plastic hanger is inserted to touch the pouch. This often causes the baby to move upside down, which will produce contractions. The mother will feel as if her waters are breaking naturally. The practice has some risks, such as an increased propensity for infections, bleeding and cord prolapse, so it should only be undertaken as a last resort and with the consent of the mother.

membrane detachment

With the pregnant woman’s consent, the practitioner inserts her finger into the vaginal canal (as in the tactile exam) to try to detach the sac from the uterine wall and trigger labour. It usually causes pain, and if it’s severe, it’s best not to continue with the procedure.

Episiotomy

It is a small cut that the doctor makes in the region of the perineum – the muscle between the vagina and the anus – of the pregnant woman to facilitate the birth of the baby. The technique should only be used in situations where the baby’s exit forces the area too much, at risk of rupture and with the consent of the pregnant woman.

It’s still:

Want to know more? Subscribe to the newsletter Baby Home and get more tips each week on how your baby is developing. It’s fast and free.

🇧🇷The best content in your email for free. Choose your favorite Terra newsletter. Click here!

Source: Terra

You may also like