2020 Assisted Vaginal Birth Flashcards
How can assisted vaginal birth be avoided?
- Continuous support in labour
- Maybe avoid epidural
- Latent vs active phase PCEA not worse
- Upright or lateral position if no PCEA
- Lying down lateral if PCEA
- Delay pushing by 1-2 hours if nullip with PCEA
- Do not discontinue PCEA during pushing
- Not enough evidence for particular regional analgesia technique, oxytocin or prophylactic manual rotation
When is operative vaginal birth contraindicated?
- No absolute contraindications
Relative: - Suspected fetal bleeding disorders
- Predisposition to fracture
- BBV in mother
- Vacuum <32/40, caution 32-36
NOT: - Following FBS or FSE
How do you classify an outlet assisted vaginal birth?
- Fetal scalp visible without parting labia
- Fetal skull has reached perineum
- Rotation does not exceed 45•
How do you classify a low or mid cavity assisted vaginal birth?
Low: skull at +2 but not on perineum
Mid: fetal head <= 1/5 palpable PA
Leading point of skull at 0 or +1
Non-rotational <=45•
Rotational > 45•
What are the fetal indications for assisted vaginal birth?
Suspected fetal compromise,
1. Pathological CTG
2. Abnormal FBS
3. Thick meconium
How is lack of progress in 2nd stage defined?
- 3 hours nullip with PCEA
- 2 hours nullip with no PCEA
- 2 hours parous with PCEA
- 1 hour parous with no PCEA
What are the maternal indications for assisted vaginal birth?
- Lack of progress in 2nd stage
- Maternal exhaustion or distress
- Medical indications to avoid Valsalva
What are the examination safety criteria for assisted vaginal birth?
- Head <= 1/5 palpable PA
- Cx fully dilated
- Membranes ruptured
- Station at or below spines
- Position of fetal head determined
- Caput & moulding moderate or less
- Pelvis deemed adequate
What are the maternal preparations necessary for assisted vaginal birth?
- Clear explanation & informed consent
- Trust & full co-operation
- Analgesia: ideally regional if mid or rotational, pudendal if urgent, could have perineal for low or outlet
- Maternal bladder emptied
- Indwelling catheter removed or deflated
- Aseptic technique
What are the staff preparations necessary for assisted vaginal birth?
- Skilled operator
- Adequate equipment, bed, lighting
- Access to operating theatre
- Anticipation of SD, PPH, perineal trauma
- Neonatal team present
What are the staff preparations necessary for assisted vaginal birth?
- Skilled operator
- Adequate equipment, bed, lighting
- Access to operating theatre
- Anticipation of SD, PPH, perineal trauma
- Neonatal team present
How does vacuum compare to forceps?
- More likely to fail
- More cephalohaematoma
- More retinal haemorrhage
- More maternal worries about baby
- Less perineal & vaginal trauma
When should assisted vaginal birth be discontinued?
More than 3 pulls to perineum
2 pop-offs of vacuum
What aftercare is required following assisted vaginal birth?
- Antibiotics: single dose IV Co-Amos
- VTE reassessment
- Regular paracetamol & NSAIDs
- Bladder care
- Debrief
- Paired cord blood samples
What serious rare complications of assisted vaginal birth can result in perinatal death?
- Subgaleal haemorrhage
- Intracranial haemorrhage
- Skull fracture
- Spinal cord injury