Medical technology can provide you with indispensable help when you are giving birth. Labour and birth are not a test, and if it can progress more safely for you and your baby with intervention, then it is wise to heed the doctor or midwife's advice.
Induction If your baby has a serious medical condition, isn't growing enough at the end of the pregnancy, or is simply overdue, you may need to have an induced birth. This is done by placing a Syntocinon pessary into your vagina, which thins and contracts your cervix thereby inducing labour. Your waters may need to be broken, in which case a small hooked stick is painlessly pushed through your cervix to break the amniotic sac. As induced contractions are stronger and more frequent you may require more pain relief, such as an epidural. In order to keep a close eye on your baby's heart rate and your strong contractions, you will be connected to a foetal monitor throughout an induced labour.
Episiotomies
Sometimes the midwife will want to make a small cut between your vagina and your anus to make room for your baby’s head. This is called an episiotomy. Situations in which this is more likely to happen include a shortening of the pushing stage due to a heart condition, or your baby being in distress. They are also used to protect the softer skulls of premature babies, and make room for very big or breech babies.
Forceps
Forceps are metal tongs that can be used to help baby through the birth canal. If you can't push effectively, or they need to get baby out in a hurry, using these may prevent the need for a Caesarean delivery. They can be used to change your baby's position and reduce the risk of it suffering trauma. Although they can damage the area between your vagina and your anus, your perenium, this will heal. Another instrument used in a similar way is a suction cup called a vacuum extractor or ventouse. They can be used higher up the birth canal than forceps and cause less damage to your perenium.
Caesareans There are a number of reasons why not all babies can be delivered vaginally. High risk conditions such as eclampsia, bleeding or genital herpes can all make a Caesarean necessary. If your baby's too big to fit through your birth canal, in the wrong position or suffering fetal distress, a vaginal delivery can also be ruled out.
Although some women elect to have Caesareans for personal reasons, unnecessary major surgery is never recommended. When undergoing a Caesarean, you'll receive either a general anaesthetic or an epidural before the surgeon makes a horizontal cut through your abdomen wall and then your uterus. The procedure takes 30-60 minutes, most of which time will be spent stitching you up. You'll probably need extra help with your baby in the few weeks it will take you to recover. You will also have to wait six weeks before you're able (and insured) to drive again.
Join Our Antenatal Club! Why not join our free online Antenatal Club? Registration is completely free and once you're registered, you'll be able to attend an online antenatal class with Raisingkids.co.uk's midwife the month before your due date. It's also a great way to chat with other mums expecting around the same time as you. Click here for more information.
Medical technology can provide you with indispensable help when you are giving birth. Labour and birth are not a test, and if it can progress more safely for you and your baby with intervention, then it is wise to heed the doctor or midwife's advice.
