Category Archives: Pregnancy Care

Amnioinfusion is a technique introduced relatively recently into obstetrical care. In this technique, a physiologic fluid, usually saline(salt water) is infused into the uterus. It may be infused as a one-time dose, or continually throughout labor. Amnioinfusion is beneficial in … Continue reading →

While perhaps not technically an intervention, women need to realize that if they choose a birthing center or home birth, the possibility always exists that they may need to be moved to a hospital. The reasons for this are varied. … Continue reading →

Induction of labor means bringing on labor before it has begun on its own. Labor may be induced for reasons related to the mother’s health, the baby’s health, or the health of both. Although inductions have been performed for the … Continue reading →

The third stage of labor is the placental stage. It begins after the birth of the baby and ends with the birth of the placenta or afterbirth. It can be managed in one of two ways: expectantly or actively. Expectant … Continue reading →

The forceps has been used in delivering babies for about 400 years. The instrument consists of two separate thin steel blades with inner surfaces curved to fit the sides of the infant’s head. The blades are inserted separately into the … Continue reading →

Unfortunately, we know very little about the cause of most instances of preterm labor. Occasionally it is due to an abnormality of the uterine body or cervix. As these abnormalities also may cause spontaneous abortion or miscarriage. Miscarriage is different … Continue reading →

Managing Your Fertility Fertility is a mixed blessing for some women. The ability to participate in the miracle of birth is an overwhelming experience for many. Yet the responsibility to control one’s fertility can also seem overwhelming. Today, we not … Continue reading →

In 1973, the landmark Supreme Court decision in Roe v. Wade stated that the “right to privacy … founded on the Fourteenth Amendment’s concept of personal liberty .. is broad enough to encompass a woman’s decision whether or not to … Continue reading →

For many years, practitioners have scheduled prenatal visits on a monthly basis until about 7112 or 8 months (30 or 32 weeks), followed by visits at 2 or 3 week intervals until the last month (36 weeks), when they become … Continue reading →

Childbirth has often been called a life crisis. Crisis in this sense of the word is not negative, but means a time of great change and upheaval. It is time for growth and restructuring of many relationships. It is a … Continue reading →