Induction of Labour Flashcards
What is the induction of labour?
Process where labour is started artificially
How is induction done?
It can be done either with medication or devices to ripen the cervix
What are some reasons for the induction of labour?
Prolonged pregnancy Diabetic mother Pre-eclampsia Rhesus incompatibility Oligohydramnios
What is oligohydramnios?
Placental insufficiency
What are some contraindications for the induction of pregnancy?
Malpresentation
Placenta praevia
Prolapsed umbilical cord
Fetal distress
What is the main complication of the induction of pregnancy?
Uterine hyperstimulation
What is uterine hyperstimulation?
Prolonged and frequent uterine contractions
What is a potential consequence of uterine hyperstimulation?
Intermittent interruption of blood flow to the intervillous space
What can the interruption of blood flow to the intervillous space cause?
Fetal hypoxaemia and acidaemia
What is the management of uterine hyperstimulation?
Removal of vaginal prostaglandins and stop oxytocin infusion
Tocolysis and terbutaline
What is the Bishop’s score used for?
To clinically assess the cervix
What does a Bishop’s score of less than 5 indicate?
It indicates that labour is unlikely to start without induction
What does a Bishop’s score of more than 8 suggest?
The cervix is ripe
High chance of spontaneous labour
What does a high bishop’s score indicate?
There is more progressive change in the cervix
induction is more likely to be successful
What is amniotomy?
The artificial rupture of the fetal membranes
How is the artificial rupture of the membranes done?
Using a sharp device
What is the ideal Bishop’s score for an amniotomy?
Bishop’s score of 7
What would you give to the patient after an amniotomy if she isn’t contracting naturally?
IV oxytocin
What are the medical methods for the induction of labour?
Topical Vaginal Prostaglandin E2 analogues
IV synthetic oxytocin (syntocinon)
What is the function of the prostaglandin E2 analogues?
Encourage cervical dilatation and effacement
What is the function of oxytocin?
Induces uterine contractions
What is the preferred medical method of induction of labour?
Prostaglandin E2 analogues
What is the mechanical method of inducing labour?
Balloon Catheter
How does a balloon catheter induce labour?
It is passed through the endocervical canal
Then it is gently inflated to dilate cervix
