The aim of rupturing the amniotic sac (also known as "artificial rupture of the membranes" or "amniotomy") is to speed UP and strengthen contractions, thus shortening the length of labor.The aim of rupturing the amniotic sac amniotic sac n. See amnion. Amniotic sac The membranous sac that surrounds the embryo and fills with watery fluid as pregnancy advances. (also known as "artificial rupture rupture, in medicine: see hernia. of the membranes" or "amniotomy") is to speed UP and strengthen contractions, thus shortening the length of labor. Rupturing the membranes is thought to release chemicals and hormones that stimulate contractions, and it has been a standard practice in the U.S. for years. But, a recent review of 14 randomized controlled trials A randomized controlled trial (RCT) is a scientific procedure most commonly used in testing medicines or medical procedures. RCTs are considered the most reliable form of scientific evidence because it eliminates all forms of spurious causality. comparing amniotomy alone to preserving the membrane found that amniotomy neither significantly shortened the first stage of labor when compared to a natural progression, nor did it improve maternal satisfaction with the childbirth experience. The authors recommend that amniotomy should not be introduced as a routine part of standard labor management or care. Cochrane Collaboration The Cochrane Collaboration was developed in response to Archie Cochrane's call for up-to-date, systematic reviews of all relevant randomized controlled trials of health care. , OCTOBER 2007 |
|
||||||||||||||||||||
Printer friendly
Cite/link
Email
Feedback
Reader Opinion