Normal labour and its management

Question 1

What do we look at to monitor foetal wellbeing?

Answer 1

1. Growth
2. Amniotic fluid - volume, clear/meconium
3. Foetal heart rate
4. Foetal blood sample
5. ECG

Question 2

What is meconium?

Answer 2

Meconium is the early stool passed by a newborn soon after birth, before the baby starts to feed and digest milk or formula. In some cases, the baby passes meconium while still inside the uterus. This can happen when babies are “under stress” due to a decrease in blood and oxygen supply.

Question 3

Methods of labour induction

Answer 3

1. Oxytocin
2. Prostaglandin E tablet or pessary
3. Amniotomy - used if cervix is open i.e artificial rupture of membranes
4. Membrane sweep - stretch cervix which stimulates it and causes prostaglandin release
5. Natural stimulation - emptying bowels and intercourse (prostaglandins in semen)