How to Use an Amnio Fluid Breaker

In 2010 approximately 20 percent of women were choosing to start labor artificially, according to the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. You may choose to start labor due to maternal preference or medical necessity. Breaking the bag of amniotic fluid that protects the unborn fetus during pregnancy is one method of inducing or speeding the labor process. This procedure always happens under close medical supervision and is also termed "Amniotomy" according to Stedman's Medical Dictionary.

Instructions

    • 1

      Lie down while your physician checks for fetal heartbeat and position.

    • 2

      Position yourself as if preparing for a pap smear with legs in stirrups. A gloved finger will be inserted into the vagina to assess for softness and dilation of the cervix. If the cervix is not soft, or "ripe," a type of drug called a "prostaglandin" may be administered by mouth or directly to the cervix to prepare your body for labor.

    • 3

      Relax as the physician again inserts two fingers that hold either an amniohook, a small tool used to break the waters, or a specially made glove which includes the hook. If you are already in labor, the physician may do this during a contraction. You may feel a trickle or rush of water.

    • 4

      Observe color of water. If the water is not clear, this may be a sign that meconium, baby's first stool, has been released into the amniotic fluid. Meconium may be inhaled by the infant causing respiratory problems and leading to a need to further stimulate labor.

    • 5

      Inform medical staff of changes in frequency or strength of contractions. Your labor should begin within a few hours. Once the membranes are ruptured, the risk of infection increases and labor must progress quickly. If needed, other measures--such as an IV drip containing oxytocin--may be taken to speed contractions.

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