AMniotomy during labor aim to stimulate and speed up the labor process, by breaking the membranes. This procedure is generally performed when the amniotic sac has not ruptured before delivery or if labor is prolonged.
The amniotomy procedure is performed by a doctor or midwife by tearing the amniotic sac using a tool called a amnihook and amnicot. This intentional rupture of the membranes is believed to stimulate the onset of stronger uterine contractions, so that the cervix opens and the baby can be born more quickly.
Reasons for Needing an Amniotomy Sat delivery
The amniotic sac contains amniotic fluid and the placenta. The function of the water and the amniotic sac is to protect the fetus from impact, injury, and infection, to maintain a normal fetal body temperature, as well as a place for the fetus to grow and develop before being born.
Most pregnant women experience natural or spontaneous rupture of the amniotic fluid, and this is considered a sign that labor has begun. However, in some cases, the amniotic sac has not ruptured until the time of delivery arrives. In this condition, the doctor or midwife will usually suggest an amniotomy.
In addition, an amniotomy is also usually performed to:
1. Induction or initiating labor
Amniotomy is a good method of labor induction. The purpose of induction of labor is so that uterine contractions occur and the labor process begins. This method can be combined with other induction methods, such as giving the drug oxytocin by injection.
2. Strengthen labor contractions
Amniotomy can also be performed as a method of labor augmentation, which is the process of stimulating the uterus so that the frequency, duration, and strength of contractions increase after the appearance of natural contractions.
This method is often used to treat prolonged labor that can harm the condition of the fetus and pregnant women. This prolonged labor can occur because the uterine contractions are not strong enough to widen the birth canal or because the baby is too big.
In addition, amniotomy can also be performed to shorten the time of delivery, prevent complications due to a prolonged labor process, and to avoid caesarean section.
3. Monitor the condition of the fetus
Amniotomy is sometimes needed to monitor the condition of the fetus in the womb which requires special monitoring. This monitoring is done by placing electrodes on the fetus, then the electrodes are connected to the monitor.
Once connected to the monitor, the doctor can listen to the fetal heartbeat and monitor fetal activity more clearly, so that it can determine whether or not there are abnormalities in the fetus before delivery.
4. Detect the presence of meconium
An amniotomy can also be performed to detect the presence of meconium or fetal stool in the amniotic fluid. This action needs to be done because meconium swallowed by the fetus can cause respiratory problems or infection in the baby's lungs.
Although it has several benefits, not all pregnant women need or may undergo an amniotomy. Some of the conditions that prevent pregnant women from undergoing an amniotomy are:
- The fetus has not yet entered the pelvis.
- The baby's position is breech.
- Placenta previa.
- Vasa previa. This condition occurs when the blood vessels of the placenta or the fetal umbilical cord drop out of the cervix. This condition has the potential to endanger the life of the mother and fetus.
In addition, amniotomy during delivery also has several risks, namely:
- Amniotic infection or chorioamnionitis.
- Bleeding after delivery, especially in pregnant women with vasa previa.
- Compression or twisting of the umbilical cord.
- Fetal distress.
- A cesarean section is required if an amniotomy does not help with a normal delivery.
These risks are usually more likely to occur in pregnant women with certain pregnancy problems, or if the amniotomy is performed too soon (before the due date and there are no signs of labor). As long as the cervix is ripe or fully dilated and the baby is ready to be delivered, the risk of an amniotomy is relatively small.
While waiting for the birth of the baby, there is nothing wrong with pregnant women looking for various information about procedures during labor, including amniotomy, if at any time these actions are needed.
To monitor the condition of pregnancy and the fetus as well as to determine the best method of delivery, don't forget to regularly check with your obstetrician.
