Midwife Nikki replies:There are several possible reasons why the cervix is slow to dilate or stops dilating. It's often due to weak contractions. If that's the case, a hormone drip can sometimes strengthen their intensity. It can also be due to a
I hadn't had a wee? I was dripping and very panicky - I'd read every book, magazine & article about giving birth, but lost the plot when this happened.Karl was great, he sent me upstairs to the loo and called maternity triage. They said to use a
HAVING SEXThought to work because semen contains prostaglandins (also contained in the pessary often used in an induction to soften the cervix ready for labour). Sex can also trigger the release of the hormone oxytocin (given by drip sometimes
using an instrument that looks rather like a long crochet hook (sounds gruesome but you won't be aware of it!). Using an intra-venous drip containing a chemical called syntocinon, which is very similar to oxytocin - a human hormone that is produced
is the only treatment known to reduce the chances of a baby getting a GBS infection. Oral antibiotics are not well-absorbed during labour, which is why antibiotics via a drip are recommended. You can also have them as an injection, but it's more painful. Being
into the vagina and through the opened cervix without touching you or your baby. This punctures the membranes holding your baby, releasing the amniotic fluid. If this doesn't work, a synthetic version of the hormone oxytocin, given via a drip in your arm, can also
or a pessary into the vagina which contains a hormone-like substance called prostaglandin. It helps ripen the cervix and stimulate contractions.Alternatively, you might get offered a drug called Syntocinon through a drip in your arm to help kick
contractions aren't strong enough.'If he's in a difficult position, then making the contractions stronger can help him turn. We'd normally use a Syntocinon drip to increase their strength, says Dr Beckett.
only mild disability.Most prem babies need to go to a special care unit, where they may have help with breathing via a ventilator, drugs to mature their lungs and antibiotics fed via a drip or nasal gastric tube.Once your baby is breathing on her own
drip and constant foetal heart monitoringPossible side effects include shivering and severe headachesQuestions to ask your MidwifeHospital policies vary, but finding out everything you can in advance will help you feel more in control. How many
