Amniotomy in labor - how helpful is it?

Article Abstract:

Amniotomy appears to be a safe procedure that in certain women may lower the risk of dystocia and shorten the duration of labor. Amniotomy is the intentional rupture of the amniotic membranes to speed delivery. Dystocia is a delay in labor, and dystocia that does not respond to medical treatment is the most common reason for cesarean section. Amniotomy has been practiced since 1928, but its usefulness has been questioned. The use of active management of labor, which includes amniotomy early in labor, has been associated with low rates of cesarean section and reduced labor. In a recent study of women giving birth for the first time, early amniotomy reduced the incidence of dystocia in women whose initial cervical dilation was at least 3 centimeters. Early amniotomy by itself had no effect on the rate of cesarean section. Amniotomy was not associated with any increased risks of infection or abnormalities in fetal heart rate.

Care and treatment, Editorial, Prevention, Dystocia, Labor, Complicated, Labor complications

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To stay or not to stay? That is the question

Article Abstract:

The shift of maternal and newborn care back to the home may cause medical problems. Early discharge from the hospital may not allow for the diagnosis of jaundice, sepsis, or other conditions in newborns because symptoms of disorders may not be detected in the first 24 hours after birth. Early discharge also may have a negative effect on breast-feeding and on in-hospital opportunities to develop good care-giving practices. Some hospitals have allowed longer stays and absorbed the cost if the health plan does not cover the extra hospital days. Federal legislation that insures appropriate care for women and babies should be supported. The top priority should be the patient, not economics or technology.

Health aspects, Social aspects, Infants (Newborn), Newborn infants, Hospitalization, Maternal and infant welfare, Infant welfare, Maternal welfare, Hospital care, Mother and infant, Mother-infant relations

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Terra Firma - a journey from migrant farm labor to neurosurgery

Article Abstract:

A Hispanic neurosurgeon has described his journey from being just a migrant farm worker to the field of neurosurgery. He has recounted the problems when he came to the U.S. and the hardships before becoming a neurosurgeon and researcher.

United States, Management dynamics, Practice, Neurosurgeons, Personal account

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