There are a couple of common pregnancy and labour procedures that are done in Kenya. They include Forceps, Vacuum Extraction and Episiotomy.
Forceps
Forceps are spoon-like metal tongs that can speed up delivery of the baby. The doctor will place the forceps on each side of the baby’s head and help the baby out of the birth canal. Forceps may be used:
• In an emergency when it is important to deliver the baby as quickly as possible.
• If the mother is unable to push the baby out.
• If the medication makes it hard for the mother to push the baby out by herself.
Although forceps can be helpful when needed, they are rarely used today because they can bruise the baby’s face or head (but marks usually disappear in a few days) and they can injure the mother’s vagina or make urination difficult for a few days after delivery.
Vacuum Extraction
A vacuum extractor uses suction to help deliver the baby. The doctor puts a suction cup on the baby’s head and helps the baby out. A vacuum extractor causes less damage to the vagina than forceps. It does not hurt the baby’s face, but it can bruise or cause swelling of the scalp. The better you can work with your labour contractions and use the suggested positions for bearing down, the less likely forceps or vacuum extraction will be needed.
Episiotomy
An episiotomy is an incision, or cut, to widen the vaginal opening just before the baby’s head is born. A local anaesthetic is sometimes given to numb the area before the cut is made. After the baby is born, an anaesthetic is given and the cut is closed with stitches. These stitches dissolve in a few days and do not need to be removed.
An episiotomy:
• It can speed delivery and reduce pressure on the head of a premature (early), very large, or breech (bottom-first) baby.
• It may help prevent the vagina from tearing.
There are ways to help the vaginal opening stretch on its own without tearing. This include
• Perineal (pelvic) massage during late pregnancy to reduce the need for an episiotomy.
• Doing kegel exercises during late pregnancy.
• Avoid using stirrups at delivery.
• Sit up, squat with support, or lie on your side to give birth.
• Bear down gently as your baby’s head appears, to ease it out slowly.
• Ask your doctor or midwife to lubricate and support the vaginal opening to prevent tearing.
