GUIDE TO THE ASSISTED BIRTH OF YOUR BABY
Assisted births will either help to start your labour (induction of labour), maintain or strengthen the impetus of your contractions (augmentation of labour), or help you reach a safe conclusion (instrumental delivery). In all these instances, we plan to enable you to have a vaginal birth – so remember you are still doing most of the work!
Induction of Labour
Indications ~
Going beyond your estimated date of birth.
Antenatal indications e.g. high blood pressure
Procedure ~
You will be given a date and time to come into the Woman’s Assessment Unit, be prepared to remain in now until the birth of your baby. Once admitted, and following preliminary observations (blood pressure, temperature, pulse, abdominal examination, etc.), an internal examination will determine if you have begun your labour. At this time, the midwife will insert a hormonal gel (Prostin – a synthetic form of the prostaglandin hormone) on to your cervix (neck of the womb). You will then need to remain in bed for approximately 1 hour, whilst the gel is absorbed and your baby’s heartbeat will be monitored. After this, it is important that you get up and walk around, and remain upright as much as possible. Eat well, drink well, and get plenty of rest (…in between the walks!).
After 6 hours (or overnight, if the 1st dose is given in the evening), the procedure will be repeated. If your cervix has opened up enough, your midwife may rupture your membranes. Your amniotic water contains natural forms of the prostaglandin hormone.
Together
Be prepared for a long wait, induction of labour may take time to happen.
Bring things to distract you and pass the time.
Eat well, drink well, and get lots of rest.
Don’t forget regular trips to the toilet.
In the meantime, don’t forget other methods of kick starting labour…
HOT BATHS!
HOT CURRIES!
HOT SEX!
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Augmenting Labour
Indication ~
If your contractions have slowed down and lost some of their power, to help you keep up the momentum of labour until the birth of you baby.
Procedure ~
A hormone (Syntocinon – a synthetic form of your own Oxytocin hormone) will be given to you via a “drip” in your arm. The infusion is gradually increased until the desired frequency and intensity of contractions is reached. Labour will then progress as normal. Once your baby is born, the infusion may continue for up to 2 hours afterwards, to ensure that your womb has contracted down again.
Once this infusion is commenced, your contractions, will become stronger and more
powerful. It is a good idea to discuss managing your contractions with your midwife,
before the infusion starts.
Monitoring ~
We are keen to know the frequency and strength of your contractions. We also want to know how your baby is reacting to these contractions. For this reason, you will be monitored continuously.
Together:
Remember you must consent to these procedures, so make sure you know what is going on. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Try not to panic – remember you are in safe hands.
Instrumental Deliveries
Indications ~
*Maternal distress *Fetal (baby’s) distress
Procedure ~
Forceps = Cradles the baby’s head. As Mum pushes, the doctor applies a little traction to help the baby come out.
Ventouse (suction cap) = applied to the top of the baby’s head. As Mum pushes, the
doctor applies traction to help the baby out.
In both instances, there is a high likelihood that you will need an episiotomy (a cut in
your perineum) to open up the baby’s exit. This will be repaired afterwards.
Medical personnel present ~
*Your Midwife *Registrar (senior doctor) = carrying out the procedure.
*Paediatrician (Baby doctor)
Remember, these are guidelines only, and each labour is highly individual. Make sure you retain some control of your labour. Do not be afraid to ask questions, and make sure you know what is happening. Whatever happens, remember you are bringing a beautiful new person into the world.
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