METHODS OF BIRTH ASSESSMENT

Methods of Birth Assessment

Methods of Birth Assessment

The natural process of human childbirth is categorized in three phases: the effacement and dilation of the cervix, descent and birth of the baby and the delivery of the placenta. In some pregnancies classified as high risk for the mother or fetus, the birth happens for a cesarean which is removal of the baby through a surgical incision in the abdomen, instead of vaginal delivery (Pillitteri 2007). This paper explores and differentiates the different methods of birth assessment and childbearing practices.

Caesarean Section

A cesarean section is a type of delivery in which, gynecologists practice an incision surgery in the abdomen (laparotomy) and uterus of the mother to remove one or more fetuses. It is usually performed when a vaginal delivery could lead to medical complications. Not to be confused with the episiotomy, caesarean section is an incision in the perineum to facilitate birth. Caesarean section is above the pelvis. There are many types of C-sections: The classical incision is longitudinal in the midline, allowing more room for delivery. It is rarely used because it is more susceptible to complications (World Health Organization 2003). The most common today is the lower segment, which is a cross section just above the edge of the bladder. Blood loss is smaller and easier to repair.

A hysterectomy is cesarean delivery by Caesarean section and subsequent removal of the uterus, which can be performed in cases of intractable bleeding or when the placenta cannot be separated from the uterus. The statistics of the nineties suggest that less than one for every 2,500 women having caesarean section will die, compared to one in 10,000 for vaginal delivery (Pillitteri 2007). The World Health Organization estimates that the cesarean rate among all births in developed countries is between 10% and 15%, compared with about 20% in the United Kingdom and 23% in the United States (World Health Organization 2003). In 2003, the cesarean rate in Canada was 21%, with regional variations (Conley, Strully & Bennett 2003).

Induction of labor

Induction of labor is a set of procedures designed to cause uterine contractions artificially with the aim to trigger delivery at the right time for the mother and fetus. The evaluation of the characteristics of the cervix has been considered one of the predictors of outcome of induction of labor. The induction is indicated when the benefits of the end of pregnancy for mother and fetus outweigh the potential benefits of continuing it. Until recently, the most common practice has been to induce labor in the late 42th week of gestation (Alehagen, Wijma, Lundberg & Wijma 2005). This practice is still common. Recent studies have shown an increased risk of infant mortality of births in the 41th and 42 weeks of gestation and an increased risk of injury to the mother and baby.

The recommended date for childbirth labor induction has moved to the end of week 41 of gestation in many countries, including, United States Sweden and Canada (Conley, Strully & Bennett ...