Child birth complications

Since the Lamaze and Bradley childbirth methods began more and more women and their partners are choosing natural childbirth. It has been found that labor and delivery can go a lot smoother if the forces of nature are permitted to carry out their duties. The interventions of modern man are rarely needed…at least we’d like to believe.

The truth is that cesarean births occur about 25% of the time. There are several conditions that can put stress on your labor. A breech birth (presenting feet first), placenta previa (when the placenta is attached to the uterus near the cervix), pregnancy-induced hypertension, prolonged labor and umbilical cord problems are just a few reasons.

When your doctor or midwife decides your pregnancy has become problematic to the health of you or your baby, the first step is almost always observation. You may be admitted to the maternity ward for vital statistic and fetal monitoring. Observation can last as long as the doctors need to assess your condition and decide a birth strategy.

Primarily two types of fetal monitors are used. The less obtrusive is a sound magnification device that is strapped to your abdomen with elastic belts. One monitor records the baby’s heart rate and another records fetal movement. A machine then prints both records side by side to be analyzed.

When circumstances call for more accurate monitoring or if the baby is in a position that doesn’t allow for an external fetal monitor, an electronic fetal monitor may be implemented. This method requires a very small electrode to be attached to the baby’s head.

Pitocin, the drug of choice for many doctors, is more stimulating than the latter. Pitocin is injected into the system by needle or intravenous methods. The chemical is actually a man-made version of the same hormone that causes you to naturally go into labor and have contractions. Because your body is introduced to the drug less gradually than if it was your own factory’s hormone, the result tends to be more aggressive contractions.

When your body needs that added kick to get the ball rolling, your physician will rupture the membranes. Otherwise known as breaking the bag of waters. This naturally notifies your body that it is time to birth your baby and often accelerates the birthing process. It is important to speak to your doctor about making this the last available option. The amniotic sack is known to aid pain in labor by cushioning contractions and providing lubrication to glide your baby through the birth canal.

In some cases when the infant has entered the birth canal and becomes “stuck” a vacuum extractor is used. This instrument is attached to the baby’s head by suction then the doctor gently pulls on the contraption to help the baby through the canal. Though a wonderful alternative to forceps, the extractor doesn’t always benefit. In a small percentage of births the tool causes brain hemorrhages when placed on the infant’s soft spot.

When a cesarean is unavoidable, you will be prepared for the routine operation. If a heplock for an IV hasn’t already been inserted, one will be now. You will also receive a catheter to dispose of your liquid wastes since you will be unable to relieve yourself on your own for several hours.

If you choose to have an epidural or spinal tap, you will have the opportunity to be awake during the operation. This is most ideal under the circumstances, but it is another time-sensitive procedure. The anesthesiologist must have enough time to for her preparations and for the drug to take affect.

This information can be a little scary when we’re all hoping for a naturally healthy and uneventful delivery. Having this knowledge about complicated labor is the best preparation for that healthy birth. Discuss these possibilities with your physician before labor and you can feel at rest and empowered when your child’s birth begins. Your confidence, endurance and preparations will get your family through.