Too posh to push or too poor to be cared for

Question 1

Normal labour is considered to occur with and without what?

Answer 1

With:

1. Spontaneous onset
2. Vertex presentation of foetus
3. Low obstetric risk throughout pregnancy and labour
4. A physiological and sequential nature
5. Regular painful uterine contractions
6. Progressive cervical effacement and dilatation
7. Progressive foetal descent
8. Strenuous maternal effort
9. Spontaneous vaginal delivery of the baby, placenta and membranes

Without:

1. Induction of labour
2. Instrumental assistance
3. Operative assistance
4. Epidural/spinal/general anaesthesia

Question 2

What did the Peel commitee report (1970) recommend?

Answer 2

That sufficient facilities should be made available for 100% of childbearing women to give birth in hospital

Question 3

What is the medical model of birth?

Answer 3

Birth is seen as a dangerous journey, only normal in retrospect, therefore assume the worst
Includes:
1. Induction of labour
2. Augmentation of labour
3. Continuous electronic foetal monitoring
4. Direct pushing
5. Active management of the third stage
6. Epidural anaesthesia
7. Liberal use of epsiotomy
8. Instrumental vaginal births
9. Elective/emergency caesarean

Question 4

What is the social model of birth?

Answer 4

• Birth is seen as a normal physiological process, which women are uniquely designed to achieve

1. Support the capability of the women’s bodies
2. Home from home environment
3. Ambulation
4. Use of different positions to give birth
5. Birthing balls
6. Birthing stools
7. Use of massage, touch, encouragement
8. Watchful waiting, patience