Consulted By Experienced Doctors
Vaginal delivery is the most common type of birth. When necessary, assisted delivery methods are needed. While labor can be a straightforward, uncomplicated process, it might require our assistance. This assistance can vary from use of medicines to emergency delivery procedures. As explained below :-
Key Procedures
Forceps
Forceps are spoon-like metal tongs that can speed up delivery of the baby. The doctor will place the forceps on each side of the baby’s head and help the baby out of the birth canal. Forceps may be used:
• In an emergency when it is important to deliver the baby as quickly as possible.
• If the mother is unable to push the baby out.
• If medication makes it hard for the mother to push the baby out by herself.
Although forceps can be helpful when needed, they are rarely used today because they can bruise the baby’s face or head (but marks usually disappear in a few days) and they can injure the mother’s vagina or make urination difficult for a few days after delivery.
Vacuum Extraction
A vacuum extractor uses suction to help deliver the baby. The doctor puts a suction cup on the baby’s head and helps the baby out. A vacuum extractor causes less damage to the vagina than forceps. It does not hurt the baby’s face, but it can bruise or cause swelling of the scalp. The better you can work with your labor contractions and use the suggested positions for bearing down, the less likely forceps or vacuum extraction will be needed.
Episiotomy
An episiotomy is an incision, or cut, to widen the vaginal opening just before the baby’s head is born. A local anesthetic is sometimes given to numb the area before the cut is made. After the baby is born, an anesthetic is given and the cut is closed with stitches. These stitches dissolve in a few days and do not need to be removed.
• It can speed delivery and reduce pressure on the head of a premature (early), very large, or breech (bottom-first) baby.
• It may help prevent the vagina from tearing.
There are ways to help the vaginal opening stretch on its own without tearing. This include
• Perineal (pelvic) massage during late pregnancy to reduce the need for an episiotomy.
• Doing kegel exercises during late pregnancy.
• Avoid using stirrups at delivery.
• Sit up, squat with support, or lie on your side to give birth.
• Bear down gently as your baby’s head appears, to ease it out slowly.
• Ask your doctor or midwife to lubricate and support the vaginal opening to prevent tearing.
Cesarean Section
A cesarean section, also called a c-section, is a surgical procedure performed if a vaginal delivery is not possible. During this procedure, the baby is delivered through surgical incisions made in the abdomen and the uterus.
When would I need a cesarean section?
A cesarean delivery might be planned advance if a medical reason calls for it, or it might be unplanned and take place during your labor if certain problems arise.
You might need to have a planned cesarean delivery if any of the following conditions exist:
Cephalopelvic disproportion (CPD)—is a term that means that the baby’s head or body is too large to pass safely through the mother’s pelvis, or the mother’s pelvis is too small to deliver a normal-sized baby.
Previous cesarean birth—Although it is possible to have a vaginal birth after a previous cesarean, it is not an option for all women. Factors that can affect whether a cesarean is needed include the type of uterine incision used in the previous cesarean and the risk of rupturing the uterus with a vaginal birth.
Multiple pregnancy—Although twins can often be delivered vaginally, two or more babies might require a cesarean delivery.
Placenta previa—In this condition, the placenta is attached too low in the uterine wall and blocks the baby’s exit through the cervix.
Transverse lie—The baby is in a horizontal, or sideways, position in the uterus. If your doctor determines that the baby cannot be turned through abdominal manipulation, you will need to have a cesarean delivery.
Breech presentation—In a breech presentation, or breech birth, the baby is positioned to deliver feet or bottom first. If your doctor determines that the baby cannot be turned through abdominal manipulation, you will need to have a cesarean delivery.
An unplanned cesarean delivery might be needed if any of the following conditions arise during your labor:
Failure of labor to progress—In this condition, the cervix begins to dilate and stops before the woman is fully dilated, or the baby stops moving down the birth canal.
Cord compression—The umbilical cord is looped around the baby’s neck or body, or caught between the baby’s head and the mother’s pelvis, compressing the cord.
Prolapsed cord—The umbilical cord comes out of the cervix before the baby does.
Abruptio placentae—The placenta separates from the wall of the uterus before the baby is born.
During labor, the baby might begin to develop heart rate patterns that could present a problem. Your doctor might decide that the baby can no longer tolerate labor and that a cesarean delivery is necessary.
What can I expect before the cesarean?
If the cesarean delivery is not an emergency, the following procedures will take place.
· You will be asked if you consent to the procedure, and you be asked to sign a consent form.
· The anesthesiologist will discuss the type of anesthesia to be used.
· You will have a heart, pulse, and blood pressure monitor applied.
· Hair clipping will be done around the incision area.
· A catheter will be inserted to keep your bladder empty.
· Medicine will be put directly into your vein.
What is the procedure for a cesarean?
At the start of the procedure, the anesthesia will be administered. Your abdomen will then be cleaned with an antiseptic, and you might have an oxygen mask placed over your mouth and nose to increase oxygen to the baby.
The doctor will then make an incision through your skin and into the wall of the abdomen. The doctor might use either a vertical or horizontal incision. (A horizontal incision is also called a bikini incision, because it is placed beneath the belly button.) Next, a 3- to 4-inch incision is then made in the wall of the uterus, and the doctor removes the baby through the incisions. The umbilical cord is then cut, the placenta is removed, and the incisions are closed.
How long does the procedure take?
From beginning to end, a cesarean takes anywhere from 1 to 2 hours.
What happens after the delivery?
Because the cesarean is major surgery, it will take you longer to recover from this type of delivery than it would from a vaginal delivery. Depending on your condition, you will probably stay in the hospital from 2 to 4 days.
The following are our preferred Delivery hospitals within Nakuru: –
· War Memorial
· Annexe
· Evans Sunrise Medical centre