REVIEW of PROCEDURE FOR NORMAL EMERGENCY CHILDBIRTH
1.
Be calm. Reassure the mother that you are there to assist her with the delivery.
2.
Provide an environment which is as quiet and private as possible.
3.
Position the mother as comfortably as possible and concentrate on helping the
mother stay in control
4.
DO NOT allow the mother to strain or push during the early stages of labor. This
may cause the cervix to become swollen and unable to dilate. Pushing or
straining might also cause additional bleeding and distress to the mother.
5.
Before or during labor, the amniotic sac should burst. Also, some blood-tinged
mucus may appear.
6.
Watch for the baby's head to emerge or "crown" at the vagina.
7.
Permit the head to deliver between contractions. This avoids perianal tearing
and injury to the baby's head from the sudden release of pressure.
8.
In a normal delivery, when the baby's head emerges, it faces down and then
turns. Check to see if the amniotic sac covers the baby's face.
9.
As soon as the baby's face is visible, support the head with one hand and wipe
the baby's nose and mouth.
10.
Check to see if the umbilical cord is around the baby's neck. If the cord is around
the baby's neck, use two fingers to slip the cord over the baby's shoulder. Clamp
and cut the cord only if you cannot dislodge it.
11.
Normally, the baby's shoulders will rotate, and the upper shoulder will be born
first. To help the shoulder out, support the head in an upward position.
12.
As the baby's body is expelled, support the head and body with both hands. If
possible, note and record the time of the baby's birth and the baby's Apgar point
count.
Figure 2-2. Procedures for normal emergency childbirth (continued).
MD0584
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