A birthing understanding is a novel concept that allows the mother-to-be and doctor to partner harmoniously instead of challenging the doctor’s decision, like in birthing contract. The birthing understanding is of high importance as it enables the mother to understand the delicate procedure of delivery and clear her anxieties and doubts. Here we are going to cover some of the most common questions asked by pregnant women
What is an episiotomy? Will I need one?
An episiotomy implies a surgical cut made between the woman’s anus and vagina, in an attempt to enlarge the vaginal opening before delivery. It is based on the belief that the surgical cut would heal faster and better than spontaneous tearing that is possible during delivery process.
Not all women need to have episiotomy. It will be determined by the doctor just before the delivery, if it seems possible that the vagina could tear. However, the mother has complete right to refuse an episiotomy if she wants to deliver the child without any incisions.
Is it essential that I have to be shaved?
No, in the past years, it was assumed that shaving is important, otherwise episiotomies could become complicated. Hairs were also assumed to contain infectious bacteria. However, now it has been proved that bacteria contained in hair are not a threat to the baby, and it is not a compulsion to shave, because of the antiseptic cleaning done prior to delivery. The complete area is highly immune, and one does not need to worry about pubic hair causing any kind of damage to the vaginal tissue or to the baby.
Will an enema be required?
Enema is the procedure of introducing liquids into the rectum, which causes expansion of intestinal tract. In earlier days, it was given to women during pre-delivery to clean the rectum and induce faster contractions. Its use has been abandoned now due to several controversies.
Will my water bag be broken by the doctor?
Water bag provides protection against infections. It is a collection of membranes that contains all the amniotic fluid and stops the entry of bacteria inside the womb. If the water bag breaks spontaneously, there is no reason to artificially pop the membranes. However, it has been proved that if amniotomy (induced breaking of membranes) is done after the cervix has dilated about 6 centimeters; the delivery process becomes faster and more efficient.
Amniotomy may be advised during delivery to speed up the procedure. It has several other advantages too. Examination of the amniotic fluid can be indicative of fetal distress. If the amniotic fluid is foul smelling, it indicates infection. Also, if it is bloody, it could point to placental abruption. Amniotomy provided direct access to the baby’s head, so that the baby’s heart rate could be directly monitored with a scalp electrode if required.
I do not want to use the scalp electrode
The scalp electrode is a very small attachment made of corkscrew metal, and poses absolutely no risk to the baby. It provides an actual EKG of the baby, and is a very useful tool. It provides fetal heart rate, bowel movements and even sudden abdominal crunches due to sneezing or coughing. It is therefore advised that one does not hesitate from the scalp electrode. The pinching caused by it is very minute, and tolerable.