Assisted vaginal delivery (antenatal use)
Assisted vaginal delivery refers to a childbirth technique in which medical instruments are used to aid in the delivery of the baby, usually when the mother is unable to push the baby out on her own or when there are concerns for the baby’s well-being.
Here’s a general overview of the procedure:
Indications: Assisted vaginal delivery is indicated in cases where the mother is having difficulty pushing the baby out or when the baby is in distress. It can also be considered if the labor process has been prolonged, and maternal fatigue becomes a concern.
Instrumentation: Two common instruments used in assisted vaginal delivery are forceps and vacuum extractors. Forceps are tong-like instruments that are carefully applied to the baby’s head to help guide it through the birth canal. Vacuum extractors use suction to hold the baby’s head and assist in pulling it out.
Procedure: During the procedure, the obstetrician will assess the baby’s position and the mother’s progress in labor. If deemed appropriate, the chosen instrument (forceps or vacuum) will be carefully applied to the baby’s head. The obstetrician will guide and support the baby’s head as the mother continues to push during contractions. The instrument is used to provide gentle traction and guide the baby’s descent.
Monitoring: Throughout the procedure, the baby’s heart rate and the mother’s condition are closely monitored. If any complications or concerns arise, the medical team can quickly transition to other delivery methods, such as a cesarean section.
Recovery and Care: After the assisted vaginal delivery, the mother and baby will be closely monitored for any signs of complications. The mother’s perineal area (the tissue between the vagina and anus) may require stitches if it tears during delivery.
Here are five medical references you can explore for more in-depth information on assisted vaginal delivery:
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG): Website: www.acog.org ACOG provides guidelines and resources related to obstetric practices, including assisted vaginal delivery techniques.
PubMed – National Library of Medicine: Website: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed Search for scholarly articles and studies related to assisted vaginal delivery techniques and outcomes.
UpToDate: Website: www.uptodate.com UpToDate offers comprehensive articles on obstetric procedures, including assisted vaginal delivery and associated considerations.
Obstetrics & Gynecology Journal (The Green Journal): Website: journals.lww.com/greenjournal/pages/default.aspx This peer-reviewed journal publishes research and reviews related to obstetrics and gynecology, including articles about assisted vaginal delivery.
Mayo Clinic: Website: www.mayoclinic.org The Mayo Clinic provides patient-friendly information about childbirth procedures, including explanations of assisted vaginal delivery.
As always, it’s important to consult with healthcare professionals for personalized advice and recommendations regarding childbirth and delivery procedures.
Below is eight very reputable gynaecologists.
Dr Natalia Novikova
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Dr Emma Bryant
General gynaecologist and gynaecologic oncologist
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Dr Mutanda-Musoke
Specialist Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
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Dr Gitesh Rampersadh
Specialist Gynaecologist and Obstetrician
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Dr Stephan Baloyi
Specialist Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
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Dr Sandra Fonseca
specialist Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
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Dr Paul Blaauwhof
Urogynaecologist/Endoscopic Surgeon
- Phone:010 035 0084
- Email:[email protected] <[email protected]
Medical Aids that cover Assisted vaginal delivery (Antenatal use)
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