A research group has determined there is no advantage to amniotomy before or during labor.
In fact, it might put moms at a slightly higher risk for c-section,
according to the report based on a systematic review of all relevant
studies.
Amniotomy, also called “rupturing the membranes” or “breaking the bag
of waters” was likely under the “Don’ts” on your birth plan. Yet,
if your water didn't break at home or sometime early in labor at the
hospital, there’s a good chance your OB or midwife raked your amniotic
sac with a small hook and broke your water anyway, “to
get things going.”
However, no evidence shows this procedure shortens labor, according to the report released by the Cochrane Systematic Reivew. The report goes on to say that women should be informed that it doesn’t shorten the first or second stage of labor, nor does it affect women’s satisfaction with the childbirth experience. Also, there’s no evidence that it helps the baby in any way either.
Sure, g’head and tell all the women. But a lot of good that will do if no one informs the caregivers. Speaking completely anecdotally here, I think it’s the doctors and midwives that need to get the bulletin on this. How many of you had your water broken by your OB, unbeknownst to you? Was anybody persuaded to allow the procedure to help “get things started”?
