Amniotomy is the official term for artificially breaking the bag of waters during labor. It is believed that breaking the bag of waters will help to speed up an otherwise slow labor. Amniotomy is part...

Amniotomy is the official term for artificially breaking the bag of
waters during labor. It is believed that breaking the bag of waters
will help to speed up an otherwise slow labor. Amniotomy is part of
the Active Management of Labor practiced in some hospitals.


Amniotomy is performed by a midwife or doctor. A long, thin
instrument with a hook on the end is inserted into the vagina and
through the cervix so it can catch and rip the bag of waters. To
perform an amniotomy, the cervix must be dilated enough to allow the
instrument through the cervix, generally at least a two.
Why
choose Amniotomy?

Unlike other medical methods of starting
labor, amniotomy does not add synthetic hormones to your labor.
Instead it seems to stimulate your body’s own labor process.


Amniotomy allows the use of an internal electronic fetal monitor.

How effective is Amniotomy?

Amniotomy alone is unpredictable,
it may take hours for labor to start with amniotomy. Because
amniotomy increases the risk for infection, most caregivers use
amniotomy in combination with synthetic oxytocin. Birth does happen
faster when amniotomy is combined with synthetic oxytocin than when
amniotomy is used alone.
Risks of Amniotomy

Risks for Mother


Increases the risk for infection. This risk is increased with
length of time the waters are broken and with vaginal exams.


Because of the infection risk, a time limit is given by which the
mother must give birth. As the time limit approaches attempts to
progress labor will become more aggressive.

The fore waters
equalize pressure on the cervix so it will open uniformly. When they
are broken, the mother increases her chances of having uneven
dilation.


Risks for Baby

Increases the risk of
umbilical cord compression.

The fore waters equalize pressure
on the baby’s head as it presses against the cervix. When they are
broken, the pressure on the baby’s head may be uneven causing
swelling in some parts.