Childbirth is the process of human reproduction, among which natural childbirth is the most ideal way. During the process of childbirth, having a natural delivery is certainly the best, but not all natural deliveries can be smooth sailing. If there are any difficulties during natural childbirth, various midwifery techniques can be used to help with the delivery. So how much do you know about midwifery?
1、 What are the methods of midwifery?
Midwifery methods mainly refer to a series of measures to help the fetus smoothly deliver from the mother's body, including non pharmacological midwifery and pharmacological midwifery. Non pharmacological midwifery methods include appropriate exercise, massage, free position delivery, etc; Medicated assisted delivery methods include episiotomy, oxytocin induced labor, fetal head aspiration, and forceps assisted delivery.
2、 In what situations will midwifery be used?
1. Pregnant women experience uterine contractions and fatigue;
2. If the labor process is too long, there is a risk of fetal hypoxia;
3. The fetus has already experienced a dangerous situation.
3、 Non pharmacological midwifery methods
1. Moderate exercise
Moderate exercise is a common non pharmacological midwifery method, including slow walking, doing exercises, climbing stairs, etc. It can accelerate blood circulation in the body and stimulate uterine contractions, which is conducive to smooth delivery. At different stages of labor, midwives will provide targeted guidance to the mother based on her specific situation, so that she can engage in appropriate activities.
2. Massage
Massaging the breast area of pregnant women can stimulate the secretion of oxytocin and promote uterine contractions, which is beneficial for childbirth. At the same time, effective massage for postpartum women can also alleviate their tension and improve their comfort during childbirth.
3. Free position delivery
Free position delivery mainly refers to the various positions that the mother chooses according to her comfort during delivery, such as sitting, standing, squatting, kneeling, and lying down. This delivery method can help the mother correct abnormal fetal position, promote fetal head descent, shorten the delivery process, and improve the smoothness of delivery. In free position delivery, the midwife will closely monitor the situation of the mother and fetus, and ensure the safety of the mother and baby.
4、 Medication assisted delivery method
1. Perineal episiotomy
In the second stage of labor, sometimes there may be situations where the fetus is huge or the mother's perineum is too tight, or in emergency situations where the delivery process needs to be ended. In such cases, perineal episiotomy is generally used. The episiotomy is performed under perineal nerve block anesthesia, usually cutting 3-4cm, and the incision is sutured layer by layer after the fetus is born.
2. Oxytocin induced labor
Oxytocin is a potent uterine contraction stimulating drug mainly used for induced labor and labor. When the due date is reached but the pregnant woman is still unable to give birth, doctors will recommend using oxytocin for induced labor. In addition, during the delivery process, if the uterine contractions are weak or the progress of labor is slow, oxytocin can also be used to enhance uterine contractions, thereby promoting smooth delivery.
3. Head suction and forceps delivery
Head suction and forceps delivery are two methods of vaginal instrument delivery. When the fetus is difficult to deliver smoothly due to various reasons, doctors will assist in delivery through these two methods. The fetal head suction technique involves placing the outer opening of the suction device on the exposed fetal head and using the principle of negative pressure suction to suck in the fetal head, which is then delivered in conjunction with uterine contractions. Midwifery with forceps is the use of forceps to wrap around the head of the fetus, protect it, and gently pull it outward to help the fetus be delivered smoothly. Both of these methods have their own advantages and disadvantages, and doctors will make a choice based on the specific situation of the mother during the operation.