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Flashcards in Explaining birthing options Deck (9)
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1
Q

When meeting a patient to discuss birthing options, how should you begin the consultation?

A

Break the ice:

  • congratulate them on their pregnancy
  • do they know if the baby is a boy or girl?
  • do they have a name yet?
  • If they do have a name, use it when discussing the baby and birthing options
  • find out what they hope to get out of the consultation
2
Q

How do you do go about addressing risk factors re delivery?

A

” We can talk through a variety of options today to determine which might be best for you and your baby. However, your’s and your baby’s/(name’s) safety is our absolute priority, so I just need to ask you a few questions first to determine the most appropriate options.”

3
Q

What risk factors indicate the hospital birth is the safest option?

A

Previous births:

  • Previous C-section
  • ≥6 previous children
  • Serious PPH

Current baby:

  • Expecting twins
  • Breech/transverse presentation
  • Placenta praevia
  • Problems with baby

Maternal factors:

  • Anaemia
  • Gestational diabetes
  • Pre-eclampsia
  • Age >40 years
  • Obesity (BMI >35)
4
Q

What are the advantages and disadvantages of hospital births?

A

Advantages:

  • Safest environment - presence of obstetricians and paediatricians
  • Can have epidural

Disadvantages:
- Less personal

5
Q

What are the advantages and disadvantages of midwife-led birthing centres?

A

Advantages:

  • More comfortable and homely
  • More likely to have a midwife you know

Disadvantages:

  • May need to be transferred to hospital if any complications
  • Cannot have epidural
6
Q

What are the advantages and disadvantages of home birth?

A

*Evidence shows that it’s as safe as a hospital/birthing centre if it is your second or subsequent baby

Advantages:

  • More personal, relaxed environment
  • Privacy
  • Light candles
  • Pay for a birth pool

Disadvantages:

  • May need to be transferred to hospital –> how far is it?
  • Cannot have an epidural
  • More planning involved
7
Q

When are caesarean sections recommended?

A
  • Multiple pregnancy
  • Labour doesn’t progress
  • Placenta praevia/accreta
  • 2+ C-sections
  • Malpresentation
  • Cephalopelvic disproportion
  • Pelvic cyst/fibroid
  • Maternal infection (HSV/HIV)
  • Severe hypertensive disease
  • Foetal distress
8
Q

What are the disadvantages of caesarean section?

A
  • Major surgery
  • Longer recovery
  • Scar
  • More likely to need it again in the future
9
Q

What pain relief options are available during child birth?

A
  • Natural (none)
  • Paracetamol
  • Codeine
  • Entonox (gas + air)
  • Pethidine
  • Morphine
  • Epidural
  • Spinal anaesthesia (C-section)